Christian or Disciple?

November 26, 2008 in Jesus

The question is not “are you a Christian?” The question is, “are you a follower of Christ?”  Jesus didn’t ask us to become Christians.  He didn’t try and convince us to become Christians.  He simply said “follow me,” then turned and walked away.  Some followed Him.  Some didn’t.

What does it mean to follow Christ?  It means to listen to His teachings and do what He instructs.  It’s all there in the Bible, especially the sermon on the mount, his teachings from the Mount of Olives (found in the book of Matthew, chapters 5-7).  When we choose to follow Christ, we become His disciples. Just like those who were with Him during His earthly ministry.

Jesus tells us to love God and love each other.  He tells us to be humble and to do things for other people.  He tells us to take care of those who need our help.  That sounds all warm and fuzzy.  But then, He also teaches us that hate is akin to murder.  That lust is the same as adultery.  That God hates divorce.  That He is the only way to God.  Whoa!  Counter cultural.  Seriously counter cultural!  Dare we choose Him over the way of the world? Many people don’t. Can’t.  Won’t. They don’t want to lose their freedom.  They don’t want to be seen as different.  They can’t escape the teachings of this world that seem way more normal and right.

But those of us who do choose to follow Jesus know the irony.  We haven’t lost our freedom, we have gained it.  We are no longer bogged down by the cares of this world, by worrying what other people think of us, by petty thoughts and actions.  We are free from a life that ends simply in death.  We have someone that guides us through life’s difficulties, who shows us the way to live our lives in the best way possible.  We have chosen to follow Jesus.  Christ followers.  You can call us Christians.  But we are so much more.