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Before we dive into discussing what discipleship is, we first need to know what it means to be a disciple.

 

There are 5 main characteristics of being a disciple.

 

#1- A Disciple is Faithful to His Teachings

 

 “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” John 8:31 (NLT)

 

Remaining faithful to Jesus’ teachings doesn’t mean just knowing them. It takes more than just knowing the Word of God; we need to act in obedience to Him according to His teachings in Scripture.  

 

#2- A Disciple Loves One Another

 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

 

Love is much more than warm feelings. Love is an attitude, it is a choice. It reveals itself through our actions toward one another. It's easy to love within our comfort zone but we must intentionally love when its hard to as well.

 

How can we love others like Jesus loves us?

 

By helping when its not convenient

By investing in others past our comfort zones

By devoting our energy to other’s welfare rather than our own.

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This kind of love is hard to do at times, but when we do, it is the kind of fruit that show that we are His disciples.

 

#3 A Disciple Gives up Everything

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Luke 14:33

 

Our devotion to God must come first. We must be willing to part from our own plans and agendas and surrender it to God in exchange for His. We must not let anything (tangible or not) be a stronghold in our life.

 

#4 A Disciple Loves Jesus Above their Loved Ones

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26

 

Now don’t misunderstand this. Jesus wasn’t talking literally in this passage. He doesn’t want you to literally hate your family. He is using a very sharp contrast. Your love for God should be so strong that your love for others is like hatred by comparison. It must be greater than your love for your family, your home or yourself, because it may cost you all of these things to follow Jesus.

 

 

#5 A Disciple Takes Up Their Own Cross

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke:14-27

 

Jesus is laying out the terms for discipleship and they are not easy or comfortable.

Bearing your cross means dying to self—laying aside your personal goals, desires and ambitions so that God can reveal His desires, ambitions and goals for your life.

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Though these characteristics are hard and uncomfortable to bear, the rewards of it are far more greater. Know that the work and the effort you do in God's name will not be in vain.

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