WHAT'S A DISCIPLE - by Calvin
I have discipled other followers of Jesus for many years. These days I also bill myself as a spiritual director. At first, I thought of the discipling process as one-on-one Bible study over coffee. Then, under the influence of Promise Keepers, I saw discipling as being more like an accountability process. Later on, I saw greater depth in the ancient Christian tradition of spiritual direction.
Whatever I have called the discipling process over the years, I have learned one very important lesson. I learned that the way Jesus did discipling is nothing like our modern Western models. Jesus focused on relationships first while teaching was more of a secondary byproduct. The invitation Jesus issued, "Follow me," was really an open door into an intimate relationship where the disciple would learn to imitate the example of the master.
A Christian disciple is a person who has made a lifelong commitment to imitate the example of Christ. That goes way beyond the naive question, "What Would Jesus Do?" A real disciple watches what the master does and imitates their example in every way. But, you ask, it's hard to see what Jesus does so how can we imitate him?
We need a human example who we can see, hear and touch. That is, someone whose example is worthy of imitation. As the Apostle Paul said, "Follow my example to the extent that I follow the example of Christ." If you want to be a disciple, then you need to find another human being who will serve as an example of Christ. Such a person may be hard to find but they are out there.
In the ancient tradition of the early church, pray that the Lord will lead you to a person who is full of the Holy Spirit who has the spiritual integrity and the spiritual authority to say, "Imitate me." The Father gives his children good things when they ask in faith.
Now, maybe you have some questions here, or maybe you have a story to share. So you're invited to leave a comment.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
Whatever I have called the discipling process over the years, I have learned one very important lesson. I learned that the way Jesus did discipling is nothing like our modern Western models. Jesus focused on relationships first while teaching was more of a secondary byproduct. The invitation Jesus issued, "Follow me," was really an open door into an intimate relationship where the disciple would learn to imitate the example of the master.
A Christian disciple is a person who has made a lifelong commitment to imitate the example of Christ. That goes way beyond the naive question, "What Would Jesus Do?" A real disciple watches what the master does and imitates their example in every way. But, you ask, it's hard to see what Jesus does so how can we imitate him?
We need a human example who we can see, hear and touch. That is, someone whose example is worthy of imitation. As the Apostle Paul said, "Follow my example to the extent that I follow the example of Christ." If you want to be a disciple, then you need to find another human being who will serve as an example of Christ. Such a person may be hard to find but they are out there.
In the ancient tradition of the early church, pray that the Lord will lead you to a person who is full of the Holy Spirit who has the spiritual integrity and the spiritual authority to say, "Imitate me." The Father gives his children good things when they ask in faith.
Now, maybe you have some questions here, or maybe you have a story to share. So you're invited to leave a comment.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
At at time of darkness in my prayer life, having a spiritual director was great for assisting me to stay the path. When I had to move out of state and away from my SD, I was deeply greived. The community in which I moved had a very active community that supported small faith sharing prayer groups, of which I ended up facilitating one at my church. This small prayer group has in a way filled my spiritual needs (as I facilitae it more as a support group than for faith formation). When ever the time comes when I feel the Holy Spirit creating that desire for one-on-one spiritual counsel I will go there. Until then, I am happy in knowing that God will give me what I need at every moment to keep me in step with Him.
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Hi Jeff,
Thank you for sharing your struggle with us. I pray that God the Holy Spirit will reveal a guide for your journey.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
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Having a human example makes a big difference in understanding and following the teachings.
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Dear Exorcist,
Thank you for leaving a word with us. I perceive that you yourself walk in the Spirit and guide with a gentle hand. May you grow in the authority of the name of Jesus.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
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