The Lodestar

Becoming a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ is a profound journey that demands dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. This commitment involves aligning one’s life with Jesus’s teachings and example. Here, we explore essential steps to achieve this, substantiating our arguments with biblical references and practical examples.

Understanding Jesus’ Teachings

To be a disciple, one must first understand Jesus' teachings. This involves regular reading and studying the Bible, particularly the Gospels, where Jesus’ teachings are prominently featured. Jesus taught about love, forgiveness, humility, and serving others (Matthew 22:37—39). Understanding these principles is foundational for living as His disciples.

For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of loving and helping others, regardless of social boundaries. By studying such passages, disciples can internalise and apply the values Jesus espoused in their daily lives.

Practising Obedience

Obedience to Jesus’ commands is crucial. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience involves more than adherence to rules; it is about living a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings. This includes loving one’s enemies, forgiving those who wrong us, and living with integrity.

A practical example is the act of forgiveness. Jesus emphasised forgiving others repeatedly (Matthew 18:21—22). This can be challenging, especially when deeply hurt, but it is a mark of true discipleship. By practising forgiveness, disciples demonstrate their obedience to Jesus’ teachings.

Cultivating a Prayerful Life

Prayer is essential in maintaining a close relationship with Jesus. It is a means of communicating with God, seeking guidance, and expressing dependence on Him. Jesus often retreated to pray (Mark 1:35), highlighting the importance of a prayerful life.

A practical step is setting aside specific times each day for prayer. This could be in the morning, evening, or even during breaks throughout the day. By consistently seeking God through prayer, disciples can grow spiritually and receive strength for their journey.

Engaging in Fellowship

Christian discipleship thrives in the community. Engaging in fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24—25). Being part of a church or a small group allows disciples to learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together in faith.

For instance, small group Bible studies can be very effective. They offer a platform for discussing scripture, sharing personal insights, and praying for one another. Such interactions reinforce a disciple’s commitment and provide a sense of belonging.

Serving Others

Jesus exemplified servant leadership and instructed His followers to do the same (Mark 10:45). Serving others is a tangible expression of discipleship. This can take many forms, such as volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbour, or participating in church outreach programmes.

Consider Mother Teresa's example. She dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Her actions reflected Jesus’ command to love and serve others selflessly. By engaging in acts of service, disciples emulate Jesus’ love and compassion, significantly impacting their communities.

Embracing Sacrifice

Discipleship often requires sacrifice. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This involves putting aside personal desires and comforts to follow Jesus’ path.

A modern example is giving up leisure time to serve in a ministry or to help those in need. It could also mean prioritising spiritual growth over material pursuits. Such sacrifices may be challenging, but they strengthen one’s commitment and deepen the relationship with Jesus.

Living Out the Great Commission

Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This Great Commission underscores the responsibility of every disciple to share the gospel and lead others to Christ. This can be done through personal evangelism, mission trips, or missionary support.

For instance, a disciple might invite friends or colleagues to church, share their testimony, or engage in meaningful conversations about faith. By actively participating in the Great Commission, disciples contribute to the growth of the Christian community and fulfil Jesus’ mandate.

Being a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ requires a holistic approach, encompassing understanding His teachings, practising obedience, cultivating a prayerful life, engaging in fellowship, serving others, embracing sacrifice, and living out the Great Commission. Each step is integral to developing a deep, unwavering commitment to Jesus. By following these principles, disciples can reflect Jesus’ love and teachings, fulfilling their calling and inspiring others to embark on their faith journeys.

(David Paul, a devoted church member, passionately ignites aspiring writers' imaginations with his eloquent prose. With sincere dedication, he strives to nurture the creative spark within budding writers, guiding them towards literary excellence and self-expression.)