What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
That sounds like an easy question at first, but is it? In today's world, there are people who know exactly what it means, and if you don't follow their definition, then you aren't really one. That's a simplistic point of view. It's a silly point of view. Being a disciple is not about checking all the boxes on someone's list. If you want to lay out some standards for membership in the local congregation, by all means, do it. After all, what organization doesn't have membership standards. But don't be so narrow minded in your approach to discipleship that the only "true disciples" are those who line up with your theological preconceptions.
When I think about discipleship, I think about Jesus' call to the initial disciples - Peter, Andrew, James and John. What does he do? He goes up to them and says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). And they do. They leave behind their nets and their boats, their families and their employees, and they take their first steps on the road to discipleship.
That's how I see discipleship - a journey on the long road that takes us from who we were to who God is calling us to be. It's a journey that we never really finish. It has its ups and downs. Its rights and its lefts. Its stops and its goes. Some of the steps are laid out along the way - certain paths that we need to take. Some of them are more like stumbling through the fog. It's not an easy road.
I'm starting a new journey with this blog. Yes, I could have just transitioned my previous one, but I felt like I needed a new start. Besides, I like the customization options on this one, but that's neither here nor there. I'll be using this space to share some reflections, meditations and thoughts about that very question: what does it mean to be a disciple? It's going to be a long road. Won't you join me?
