WE ARE DISCIPLES OF JESUS
We Christians like to think of ourselves as disciples of Jesus. However, while we might go to church, and we try to fulfill their expectations, don’t we often shift into world-mode on Monday? Aren’t our affections – – that is, whatever we set our hearts on that we imagine will satisfy our soul hunger – – much like those of our unsaved neighbors?
IF
Is “if” a big word or a little word? I like how the Amplified Bible puts John 8:31, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.” That makes “if” a huge, two-letter word!
In a practical way, how does being a disciple affect what we do in life? And why we do it? And, what potential opportunities pop into our minds when we get our income tax refund, stimulus check or an inheritance?
If we are a disciple of Jesus, won’t we think and act a lot like He did? Won’t we follow His example of how to satisfy our soul hunger? And won’t that affect everything about everything?
THE SENT ONES
In John 4:34-38 Jesus said that His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him. And then, “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” niv
I understand the realities of being earthlings, but would you agree that being Jesus’ disciples, and citizens of His Kingdom, implies that being about His business is an overarching theme for our life?
Are these the thoughts of an unrealistic, pretentious super-saint or of a disciple of Jesus?
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
April 20, 2021
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