Are You A True Disciple? Part 1

       This decade opened with very dire straits for mankind, as many people around the world woke up to a world that stood still as each nation shut their borders, homes and institutions shutting their doors. If many had been told this scenario could happen a couple of decades ago, one would say it was crazily impossible. But it did happen! Many lives and livelihoods were destroyed, and many institutions and lifestyles, including the Church, were affected. As terrible as the times were and still are, it is exposing the hearts and state of many 'sons of God'! 

       Many wondered aloud, 'What does the devil want for causing all this havoc?' And some went further to ask, 'What does God want?' The answer to both questions is 'Man' (male and female)! It is a battle between the Kingdom of God and darkness for the soul of man. As a result, man is being prepared both by God and the devil for eternity with either! 

       How the devil achieves this, is to prepare the 'pseudo-perfect man' through mentoring. Mentoring teaches the man to do what he is being taught by the Mentor. The Mentee can never be like the Mentor, as he will and continue to remain a Mentee to the Mentor. However, God uses the tool of Discipleship to teach His men so they can grow and mature to be like Him. Not just do what He says, but to be like Him (their Father)! "Both Jesus who sanctifies and those who are sanctified [that is, spiritually transformed, made holy, and set apart for God’s purpose] are all from one Father; for this reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters" (Hebrews 2:11, AMP). 

       The term Discipleship has caused a lot of problems in the Body of Christ, as many think it should mean different things to people, including mentoring. That is simply untrue! It is not meant to mean different things to people, but only to mean one thing: to prepare men for a lifelong relationship and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ! A people, a generation like their Father; true and bold to carry out His mandate upon the face of the earth: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9, AMP). 

       This means if you claim to be a son of God, the Word of God for you is that you are part of the chosen generation, a race that is intentionally culled out of the dark and wicked world to bear the likeness of God. And in so doing, showcase the same to a dying people, to bring them into the Kingdom as well. Sadly, this is not the case for many in the Body. Many are the chosen race, through mentoring, of their papas and mamas, bearing their likeness and attributes, but never growing into their stature! Yet, these claim they are sons of God. 

       Beloved, are you a True Disciple of Jesus Christ or you are a Mentee of your papas and mamas? Revelation 21:1-8 shows us the plan God has for His sons (His true disciples). Verse 3 tells us the end goal of God the Father for us: we shall be His people, He will be with us and will be our God! Next verse tells us that He will wipe away our tears, no more sorrow, crying, pain or death. In fact He makes a new earth for us! He then went on to tell us those that will not be part of this new earth. It was curious to note that the first two categories are unlike the others. because they were actually part of the Kingdom, but because of what they are and became, they were disqualified! "But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8, AMP). 

       The Cowards are believers/disciples that do not want to pay the cost of following Jesus Christ. Like Demas, these are ensnared by the trappings of the world, the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. They are led by the spirit of mammon in all that they do, and they justify this path by their high sounding teachings. The Unbelievers, on the other hand are not cowards, but they desire to serve God at their convenience. These ones desire the benefits of the Cross but refuse to embrace the sacrifices of it. Just like the Rich Young Ruler, and the disciples that turned back from following Him when the teaching of Christ got real and personal! 

       Beloved, Jesus didn't come to earth to gather a group of people for Jamboree. he came for man, to set him free from the clutches of the devil, and make him a partaker with Him in his Kingdom! Assess yourself today, are you a coward, an unbeliever or a True Disciple? May the heavens open over you as you ponder this question, in Jesus Christ name, Amen. God bless you.