The Eight Characteristics of a Serious Disciple of Christ

     Much of the New Testament presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News that redemption from our sins is the result of what Jesus did on the cross and not something that we have to earn through good works.  If we had to earn our salvation through works that would be bad news not good news because none of us are that righteous.

     

But this is not to say that our works are not important.  As Christians, we are called to be disciples of Christ.  Beyond our faith and hope in Christ there is a lifestyle that we are to embrace.  It is a lifestyle that mirrors the lifestyle of Christ.  It is a lifestyle that embraces his moral code as it is presented in the New Testament.  It is a lifestyle that puts believers in the misery reduction business.

     Misery comes in many forms.  

• Physical misery:  illness and injury
• Experiential misery:  lacking the resources or freedom to experience the joy of living
• Spiritual misery:  lacking the faith and hope that comes from a personal relationship with God
• Emotional misery:  suffering through sadness, fear, anger, hopelessness, or powerlessness

     By following Jesus Christ's moral code, believers can reduce the misery and increase the joy in their own lives and  in the lives of others.  Every Christian has a personal and social responsibility to lead the lifestyle espoused in the moral teachings of the New Testament.

     The New Testament has a great deal to say about moral behavior.  I believe there are eight predominant characteristics of discipleship.  Serious Christians should be constantly working to improve themselves in these eight areas so that they can make a positive impact in their church and in their community.  Our goal should be to lead lives that are above reproach.  because we fall short of God's glory, we will not be able to perfect these characteristics in ourselves.  However, in chasing perfection, we might be able to catch excellence.  

The Eight Characteristics of a Christian Disciple.

1. A disciple will have an insatiable curiosity concerning the nature and will of the triune God.  We should never tires of Bible study, expository preaching and learning, and intelligent conversation with those more learned than we.  We must not always depend on conventional wisdom, but keep our minds and hearts open to new thinking for this is the essence of spiritual growth.  Our goal should be truth, not affirmation of previously held beliefs.
   
2. A disciple will have a desire to hone his/her spiritual gifts.  We are not all gifted in the same areas, but each of us is gifted in one or more areas.  We need to discover where we are gifted and devote ourselves to developing those gifts that we might be the best instruments possible for use in the kingdom.
3. A disciple will be fervent in prayer and worship.  We need to be prayer warriors, in almost constant communication with God.  Our worship should not be limited to Sunday mornings, but should be something we practice every day.
4. A disciple will have a heart for the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the disenfranchised.  The Bible spends more time on this single issue than any other.  Serious believers are on the constant lookout for those in need and are willing to sacrifice of themselves in order to alleviate the misery.
5. A disciple will prefer to forgive rather than punish, embrace rather than exclude, and edify rather than condemn.  This is not to say that believers should refrain from the rebuke, but kindness and compassion should be the norm when dealing with people struggling with their sins and the consequences.  The thinking that "if we just punish people enough, they will change their ways" needs to be shelved.
6. A disciple will lead a life of humility.  There is no place in discipleship for arrogance and self righteousness.  Believers must confess their own sins more than point out the sins of others.  Believers must practice economic humility.  Avarice has no place in the church body.
7. A disciple will be willing to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Evangelism is at the heart of the Christian experience.  Sharing the good news of salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus is not the job of pastors and evangelists alone.
8. A disciple will guard his/her personal morality.  No sexual immorality, no use of mind altering substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, no acts of dishonesty or selfishness, no gossiping, no bigotry, no violence, no gambling.  Believers should be known for their work ethic and their obedience to the law.  

     We should be constantly examining and evaluating ourselves.  Are we the disciples the Lord wants us to be?  I know I am not.  The Lord is still working on me.

In Christ,

Brian