ARE YOU A DISCIPLE?

[Pastor Edith Chima]

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE?

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil". Hebrews 5:14

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). The differences between a child and an elder are numerous, some of which are, experience and knowledge made possible by the period of time available to each of them. For a child to attain the status of elder, he or she would need to be exposed to what the elders have gone through. In the same way, a young convert will need to be spiritually processed before becoming a disciple. Calling yourself a disciple does not make you one. Self-professing disciples abound but Heaven-recognized disciples are in short supply. Are you a disciples indeed? In addition, you will differentiate a believer from a disciple by what is fed each. While believers are fed with milk, the solid truths of God's Word are given to disciples. What Heaven owes disciples is truth while it owes believers (especially new converts) milk. If God cannot feed you with strong meat, you are a believer, not a disciple.

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb 5:14). Paul's experience with the Jews was not different; there were more spiritual babes than mature Christians then. Today, there are several pastors, church founders and ministers that are not disciples. Also, there are so many earthly certificated people but very few with God's approval. If you meet a disciple, he will open his storehouse and show you great truths that came by personal revelations from the Holy Spirit. How many things have the Holy Spirit personally taught you? To what extent do you tarry in God's presence, just asking Him to give you an understanding of Scriptures? If you are not able to go beyond the surface meaning of the Bible, you are yet to be a disciple. In addition, to these, according to John 8:32, truth makes free. But it takes a process.

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;" John 8:31

The quality of life made available to you is a function of your knowledge. Speaking of which, there is a link between spiritual knowledge and spiritual accomplishments. In John 8:30-32, while addressing some Jews who are newly believed on Him, the Lord Jesus disclosed some truths. The first is that it takes a process to move from being a believer in Christ into being a disciple of Christ. In other words, everyone who believed and received Christ is a believer, but not all of them are disciples.

One major difference between a believer and a disciple of Christ is what they know. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" John 8:31.

From this scripture, it is evident that there are certain conditions that are certain conditions that a new convert must satisfy before becoming a disciple. Time is of great essence here. That means, you must be prepared to give time to cultivate your relationship with Christ and to know Him more.

A believer who cannot invest his or her time into his new-found faith may not become a disciple. It is equally important to note what the believer spends time doing. You can believe in Christ and yet after ten years, not be His disciple. This could happen because you are not taking the time to develop yourself in the things of the Spirit.

Heaven certifies disciples. In other words, receiving a certificate from School of Disciples does not automatically make you a disciple. Rather, you must be more concerned about what God calls you than what man calls you. That means as you continue seeking to know more of God and His Word, God will unveil His truths to you. This tells us straightaway that God is not interested in microwave Christianity. Those who want all the answers from God all-at-a-go, may never go far in Kingdom issues. There are truths that may never get to you as a new believer until you become a disciple. Are you ready to pay the price to be a true disciple?

Edith Chima-Orji