The Give And Take Of Discipleship

The Give And Take Of Discipleship

Dictionaries define a disciple as one who follows a teacher. But the New Testament seems to focus on what the disciple is called to give up to follow his Teacher. Matthew gave up a lucrative job as tax collector. Peter and Andrew left their business as fishermen. James and John left their nets, their boat and their father. They gave up these things to follow Jesus. Discipleship requires a willingness to give up jobs, duties, and even family ties to take up with the Lord (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9). But it sometimes requires giving up even more.

The Lord ended a discussion with a rich young ruler with these words: “Sell everything you have ... Then come, follow Me.” This young man went away “very sad” because he couldn’t part with his great possessions. (Lk. 18:22-23 niv). Discipleship also requires a willingness to give up our many possessions and the selfishness that keeps us attached to them. The Lord said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mt. 16:24). It is one thing to give up occupations, relationships and even our prized possessions; it is quite another to deny self.

Peter had to learn the lesson of denying self the hard way. Self was still very much in evidence when he boasted, “Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.” But under the pressure of being identified with the persecuted Christ, he did exactly the opposite of what he proudly announced – and exactly what the Lord predicted: “Peter ... You will deny three times that you know Me” (Lk. 22:34).

All who claim Jesus as their Savior are disciples. But how many of us have fully learned the give and take of discipleship? Like Peter, we are proud to announce that we have taken up a relationship with Christ. But how much are we willing to give up for that relationship? Think about it.

By Larry Ondrejack