Many of us hear about being a disciple of Christ, but what is a disciple of Christ? What does it really mean? Discipleship is not a one-time decision; it is a lifelong process of submission, growth, and obedience to the One who gave His life for us.
Following Jesus with Your Whole Heart
Being a disciple of Christ entails living in accordance with His teachings and example. It is choosing to follow in His footsteps, even if the route appears narrow or tough. A disciple doesn’t only admire Jesus; they imitate him. That entails selflessly loving others, freely forgiving, and prioritizing God’s will before personal comfort. True discipleship begins when we stop asking, “What do I want?” and instead ask, “Lord, what do You desire for me?”
Learning to Listen and Obey
Discipleship also entails learning to listen. Jesus frequently withdrew to pray, demonstrating for us a rhythm of intimacy with the Father. To grow as a follower, you must make time for quiet moments in Scripture and prayer, when God’s Word can influence your ideas and decisions. The more time you spend in His presence, the more your heart becomes like His. Obedience comes naturally as your love for Him grows.
Counting the Cost
Jesus made it clear that following Him comes with a penalty. He went on: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This is not about losing joy; it is about discovering a deeper, more authentic delight that the world cannot provide. When you let up of your plans, ambitions, or even your comfort, you create space for God’s purpose to thrive in your life. Being a disciple of Christ is trusting that His path, even when difficult, leads to life and serenity.
Living as a Witness
A disciple’s life is designed to mirror Christ to the world. The early Christians were distinguished for their love rather than their rank or eloquence. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every decision taken with integrity becomes a testament to God’s transformative power. Being a disciple of Christ entails living so that others might see Jesus through you.
Walking Together in Community
Being a disciple of Christ is not supposed to be done alone. Jesus summoned twelve followers to accompany Him on His travels, share their lives, and learn together. Today, we follow that example by fellowshipping with other believers, encouraging one another, confessing sins, praying together, and growing in grace. A solid community holds us accountable, grounded, and motivated to continue walking faithfully.
The Journey Never Ends
Discipleship is a way of life, not an end goal. Every day presents an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, to trust Him more deeply, to love more abundantly, and to serve more humbly. If you’ve decided to follow Him, know that the path won’t always be simple, but it will always be worthwhile.
Being a disciple of Christ is the most meaningful calling one can adopt. It is an invitation to walk every day with the Savior who transforms hearts, renews minds, and empowers His disciples to bring light into a dark world.
Grow Deeper in Your Faith:
If this article has encouraged you, I invite you to take the next step by exploring our free Life Skill Guide, “Discipleship in a Digital Age.” This practical, biblical resource, available in both audio and PDF format, will help you understand how to follow Jesus faithfully in a world filled with noise, screens, and constant distraction. Let it strengthen your walk with Christ and equip you to live as His disciple every day.