Disciple

If we name the name of Jesus, if we claim to be Christians, then ideally people should see the presence of the risen Christ through us. The early Church was distinctive in its display of their love for and surrender to the Lord. In Acts 2, we can read these words:

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

It think it can be helpful for each of us to take stock of the degree to which we not only consider ourselves true disciples of Jesus Christ, but how we are living that out. If we call ourselves Christians, then we should possess a deep love for our Savior and a sense of devotion to Him. Our lives should be bearing fruit that demonstrates that love and the degree to which we allow our Savior to live through us. We can be challenged to live up to the name above all names, by the power that He gives. 

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Jesus issued the invitation for those "with ears to hear" to follow Him and become a disciple. In Luke chapter 14, He taught:
26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Jesus has called us to be His followers - His disciples.  We begin that journey when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and are born again and He calls us to spiritual growth. As we learn, we can grow into a deeper walk with Him.

There is new survey data that has been released by Barna Research, in partnership with The Navigators, concerning discipleship, and the findings might be considered disappointing.  The survey summary at Barna's website states:

For this study, researchers identified Christians who were both being discipled and discipling others as those who are fully engaged in discipleship community.

Just over one in four U.S. Christians (28%) falls into this category. Another 28 percent are being discipled, but are not helping others grow closer to Christ, and a very small percentage (5%) is only discipling others.

By these definitions, this means the plurality of Christians (39%) is not engaged in discipleship, in any direction.

Among those who are considered to be in "discipleship community," using the terminology of the summary, almost 6 out of 10 say that "My relationship with Jesus impacts the way I live my life every day." Among all Christians surveyed just over 4-in-10 agree with that statement.

Less than half of Christians say "My relationship with Jesus brings me deep joy and satisfaction." 2 out of 3 in "discipleship community" agree with that.

So, it's no surprise, when less than half of Christians in that survey are not satisfied in their Christian walk and are not allowing their relationship with Christ to impact everyday living, that there is a problem with people who claim the name of Christ helping others to grow.  The summary says:

However, there are many Christians who are not actively helping others grow closer to Christ. What holds them back?

Not feeling qualified or equipped (37%) is the main barrier for this group. Additional Barna research shows that disinterest in disciplemaking is tied to a fear of not being good at it, of not having enough knowledge or of being the wrong person for the job. The confidence crisis is a core issue.

It appears from the data, as well that some believers "seem only to need a push. One in four says the practice of discipling others hasn’t been suggested to them...or they haven’t thought about helping someone grow closer to God."  22% hold to that position.

We are called to communion with Christ, as well as communion with the rest of His body. When we are born again, we become members of that glorious entity and we can find commonality with those who have had the same experience. 

There is certainly a purpose to it: We have been given gifts in order that we might serve one another and to strengthen the body of Christ.  We can seek to discover how God has uniquely gifted us in order that Jesus may be glorified.

It was noted in the movie, Fireproof, with respect to marriage, but it occurs to me that it could apply here. The principle is that you can't give what you don't have.  If we're not satisfied in Jesus, if He is not occupying the Lordship position in our lives, then it's really hard to be motivated to share that with others.  Our deep love for and contentment in the Lord will flow to those around us.