> Christian living and discipleship are at the heart of the Christian faith. Being a disciple of Christ means more than just believing in Him; it means following Him daily, living out His teachings, and growing into His likeness. This article explores the essence of Christian living and discipleship, drawing upon insights from respected Christian leaders and the eternal truths of Scripture.
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The Call to Discipleship
Discipleship begins with a call—a call to follow Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, profoundly noted, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” This quote reflects the radical nature of discipleship. To follow Christ is to lay down our lives, surrendering our will, desires, and ambitions to Him.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” —Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
The call to discipleship is not merely an invitation to learn from Christ but to be transformed by Him. It involves a deep, personal commitment to live as He lived, to love as He loved, and to serve as He served. This call is costly, but it is also the path to true life.
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” —Matthew 16:25
The Life of Obedience
At the core of Christian living is obedience to God’s Word. Oswald Chambers, the author of “My Utmost for His Highest,” once wrote, “The best measure of a spiritual life is not its ecstasies but its obedience.” Obedience is the practical outworking of our faith. It is not enough to hear God’s Word; we must also do what it says.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” —James 1:22
Obedience to God is not burdensome when it is motivated by love. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, ESV). Our love for Christ compels us to live in a way that pleases Him. This obedience flows from a heart that has been transformed by the grace of God.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” —1 John 5:3
The Role of Community in Discipleship
Christian living is not a solitary endeavor; it is lived out in the context of community. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, emphasized the importance of fellowship when he said, “There is no holiness apart from social holiness.” Wesley recognized that we grow in Christlikeness as we walk together with other believers, encouraging one another and holding each other accountable.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” —Hebrews 10:24-25
The early church modeled this communal aspect of discipleship. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). This communal life fostered spiritual growth and provided support in times of trial.
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” —Acts 2:44
Growing in Christlikeness
Christian living and discipleship are marked by a continual process of growth—becoming more like Christ. Dallas Willard, a philosopher and theologian, stated, “The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it’s who you become.” This focus on character formation is central to discipleship. As we abide in Christ, we are transformed into His image.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” —2 Corinthians 3:18
This transformation involves putting off the old self, with its sinful desires, and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). It is a daily process of dying to self and living for Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” —Galatians 2:20
Living Out the Great Commission
Discipleship is not only about personal spiritual growth but also about fulfilling the Great Commission. John Stott, an influential Anglican theologian, emphasized the missional aspect of discipleship, saying, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.” As disciples of Christ, we are called to make disciples of all nations, sharing the gospel and teaching others to obey all that Christ has commanded.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20
This commission is not optional; it is the mandate of every believer. As we live out our faith, we are to be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth, leading others to become disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8
The Perseverance of the Saints
Christian living and discipleship require perseverance. Eugene Peterson, an American pastor, described discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” This phrase captures the essence of the Christian life—a steady, faithful walk with Christ over the course of a lifetime.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9
Perseverance is not about perfection but persistence. It is about continually returning to Christ, even when we fall, and pressing on toward the goal of becoming more like Him. The apostle Paul encourages us to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
Conclusion
Christian living and discipleship are a journey of following Christ, obeying His Word, growing in community, and becoming more like Him. It is a life marked by sacrifice, obedience, love, and mission. As we answer the call to discipleship, we are invited into a relationship with Jesus that transforms us from the inside out and empowers us to live for His glory.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” —Colossians 2:6-7
May we embrace the call to discipleship with all our hearts, trusting in God’s grace to sustain us as we follow Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:2
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