A lady came to a pastor who had been emphasizing discipleship and said, "I just want to be a Christian. I don't want to be a disciple. I like my life the way it is. I believe that Jesus died for my sins, and I want to be with him when I die. Why do I have to be a disciple?" (Renovation of the Heart, pg. 245)Though I have never been asked this question quite so bluntly, I have been asked questions like this many times as a pastor. Ironically, this question is asked by people who have been part of a church for years as well as people who have yet to make Jesus Savior and Lord.
I have a pretty definitive answer, but I don't want to spoil it for you just yet. I want you to think about it and respond first.
Can you be a Christian without being a disciple?
Is this an important question or just another act of religious trivia?
If you were the pastor, how would you answer her question?
This hits home, sadly. I became a "Christian" in my early teens, in that I mean I confessed that Jesus is the Christ. I tried to be good, but soon found that doing that wasn't my style anymore. I cleaned up a little after I graduated high school. I realized as I began engaging more in bible study, church, and Christian radio that I had accepted Christ as Savior, but not as LORD. I can tell you from experience that giving your life over is such an amazing experience. God is so good! To answer the question, in the words of a Christian musician, "Faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine." A relationship with Christ requires your all, He's already shown you that He is willing to give his life up for you.
ReplyDeleteWonder why I feel that the correct answer to this is going to be a surprise?? Have tried to remember someone in the bible who did nothing to serve..still thinking. Did learn something, had never noticed that John had disciples (Mark 2:18 & Luke 11:1).Strange that had not been aware of that until doing this study.In thinking of this, began to think of a person who was so special in my life. She was a teacher in my high school, actually our senior counsellor. She died a short while ago after having taught for many years at Steven F. Austin College in Nacogdoches . How blessed we were who knew her. I am sure she was both a christian and a disciple! she could have been just a good teacher and met the requirements for her position, but she was so much more. during this time in my school years, there were what was commonly known as "clicks." This meant that a group of girls would form a group and exclude the other ones. Because I worked part time, and had grown up there and knew everyone, I never got involved with any of that, but this teacher was so wonderful in working all of this out.Without making a big deal of it ,she would involve some of these kids in the clicks with the unpopular ones in a project of some sort and all was well.She could have done a great job of the things she was responsible for without doing any of the things she did.Not sure how I had such an insight into what was going on, do not believe most kids noticed, but I was imressed with her.She never talked religion in any way, just behaved in such a way that really influenced my life, and many others, I am sure. Christian, Saint, or maybe a Disciple? At least, think she did what jesus would have done in this type situation. HSM
ReplyDeleteA Christian is someone who has decided to entrust his or her life to Jesus Christ. A disciple is someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another.
ReplyDeleteOne might qualify as a driver of an automobile, and still not drive, but go along for the ride. That is possible.
It is hard to believe any Christian - would not want to be disciple, but possible. As far as being a Christian, without be a disciple, and that is one's desire, they should be afforded the opportunity.
Question: If you were the pastor, how would you answer her question? Very discreetly, i.e., Lady, you are an individual, you are free to act - in this case - according to your own personal preference, with my blessing.
ps - It is going to be difficult, if not impossible, for a Christian to not be a disciple - in some form.
Please forgive my long, rambling post, above, never again..promise!But would really like to hear some discussion about John and his disciples.Seems the people of that day had questions,also? Yet he was referred to the one that Jesus loved? HSM
ReplyDeleteMy dictionary says a disciple is a lerner, acceptance in mind and life to the views and practices of the teacher. So how could you be a christian without learning and growing? How could you be a christian without the acceptance of Jesus' views and practices? Seems to me being a christian is being a disciple. They go hand in hand forever connected. M.E.
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