October 25
Disciples
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
––Matthew 4:18-22
Disciple
1: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as
- Christianity : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts
- a convinced adherent of a school or individual
“Do you see yourself as a disciple?”
I like to ask this question of Christian guys, and the responses I get are all over the map. Most guys respond with something like, “I’d like to be … but I don’t think I’m quite there yet.” Typically, this kind of “maybe someday” response is born out of a mindset that makes a disconnect between life right now, and the ideal they see in the disciples or other great Christians down through history. In other words, they grade themselves fairly harshly, giving themselves a C or D when it comes to how well they are living up to the Bible’s standards of a disciple.
The truth of the matter is that the second you receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit indwells you, you become a disciple—an advocate—for the “Jesus Way.” It’s immediate. There’s no “introductory period” where people won’t be scrutinizing you and your new-found faith. That’s because it’s radical: one moment we are living in the flesh, and then we are living in the Spirit. When our non-believing friends look at us, they know we’ve changed, they just have no idea how to define something as powerful and radical as the Holy Spirit. That “something” that changed may not be your flesh (right away), but there’s no mistaking a person who is filled with the Spirit. Our behaviors (flesh) take time to change (sanctification), but internally and spiritually, the redemption is instantaneous (justification).
Jesus wants to use you right now—not when you get yourself cleaned up. Now. As His disciple, He sees you as a perfectly usable work-in-process. Owning that truth is neither presumptuous nor arrogant. It’s sober minded. Here’s the most amazing part: When God uses you before you feel “ready,” it more powerfully shows you and others that it is Him working through you, and not your abilities or personality. Know that the more you surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit’s ability to work in and through you, the more He will.
Father, use me today—right where I am. May I always keep growing and learning, but don’t let me neglect the part You’ve designed for me to play in Your Kingdom come.