Reflecting Christ, Not Ourselves
One of the better definitions of a disciple that I have found is in Volume IV of the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. That definition states that the term disciple always implies the existence of a personal attachment which shapes the whole life of the one described as a disciple, and which in its particularity leaves no doubt as to who is deploying the formative power. (Emphasis added)
The brief title at the beginning of this article is an attempt to state a summary of that definition. Being a disciple is a process of actively embracing more and more of the life of Christ. It is a process where God’s Spirit and His word more deeply permeate one’s heart and mind. It is a process where we pursue in thought and actions those choices and behaviors that demonstrate that Christ is Lord over one’s life.
Taking advantage of opportunities to grow as disciples is both a privilege and responsibility. Many of those opportunities occur during the regular flow of life as we encounter situations where faith is needed, witness would be appropriate, or obedience is to be pursued. Some of those opportunities arise through openings for ministry involvement, seminars, or special events.
Whether you are involved as a teacher in our children’s Sunday school, a volunteer serving in AWANA, part of our youth ministry staff, regularly participating in the choir or worship ministry, or leading an ABF, etc. all of these ministry situations need to be considered as opportunities for growth as a disciple. They are all situations in which we can purposely pursue having our life be increasinglty a reflection of Christ, not ourselves. I believe that when we approach our involvement with this perspective we will maintain a better attitude toward the effort required. This is quite different from looking at serving in ministry as merely filling a slot or meeting a need (that no one
else has responded to meet)!
Further, making the choice to attend a seminar focused on one aspect of the Christian life where we can sharpen a basis discipleship skill, participate in training opportuni-ties, or take advantage of a special event are also decisions that can bring growth in our discipleship. That would be the perspective that I have toward the bi-monthly
Day of Prayer that is scheduled for September 4, the Share Your Faith Workshop that we’re hosting on September 5 & 6, and this fall’s LBI courses that begin this month. It
would also be an appropriate perspective from which you would decide to attend a Men’s Precept study or one of the Women’s Ministry Tuesday Connection studies.
Growing as a disciple is obviously not limited just to the examples I have listed above. Regardless of the avenue in which that growth occurs, I would encourage us to remember that the purpose is so that the life of Christ can indelibly shape and mold
the entirety of our life.
May there be no doubt that the formative power in our life is Christ!
Pastor Dick