I have written about this before but as we head into 2022 it’s good to pause and take a quick checkup of where we are.
It’s sad but true. There are many who call themselves Christians than who are not His true disciples. I think that speaks to something a lot of Christians don’t want to acknowledge … ownership. We belong to our bridegroom and to be His true disciple requires recognizing His claim on us. Everything we have belongs to Him and as His disciples we are to be ready to do whatever He wants whenever He wants it.
I have said many times: You might be the only Jesus someone sees. We have to remember that the lost world looks at the disciple before it looks at the doctrine. So how are you doing? What does the world around you see? Here are three scriptures to consider that mark us as disciples. As we get ready to launch into 2022, here’s a Quick Checkup.
1 – Continuation in the Word
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ESV
The first mark of a true disciple is continuation in the Word of God. Jesus’ disciples followed Him but they did not know all the answers or understand all that He said. But the more they learned the more they believed by faith. A perfect example for us from Peter: 1 Peter 2:2-3 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. NKJV
2 – Love One Another
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ESV
The fact that we are willing to sacrifice for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ tells the world whose disciples we truly are. The Holy Spirit who lives in me lives in you and He is the One who draws us together. Jesus knew that He was going to leave His disciples and that Satan would enter and try and scatter them. His Word to them was to love one another and be a strong force in the face of opposition and a witness to the world.
3 – Bear Much Fruit
John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ESV
Fruit bearing is the result of:
- Knowing that without Jesus the disciple can do nothing (John 15:5).
- Abiding in Him (John 15:7-8).
- Showing you faith by your works (James 2:26).
Continuing in His Word, loving one another, and bearing fruit. There is the Word of God to Jesus’ disciples. How are you doing? I know that I have work to do in 2022.