Before someone joins our Christian Education ministry as teachers at our church, we want to be sure that they are Jesus' disciple in their private lives.
After all, only a disciple can create a disciple; creations only reproduce after their own kind!
What is a disciple?
My definition of a disciple is one who follows a daily path of instruction.
Disciple and discipline come from the same root word.
A Christian is one who is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
We learn of Him and follow His ways. We may make mistakes in the process, but we set our hearts on following Him all the days of our lives.
How can you tell if you are a Jesus' disciple in your daily practice and maximizing your Spiritual growth?
Simply use D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E.S. to assess yourself (Adapted from the book 'Disciplemaking Teachers' by Josh Hunt and Larry Mays).
As you read what each letter means, think about two life-changing questions:
- What are the benefits of following God in this area?
- What are the consequences if I don't?
Assessing your Discipleship
Here is how to take inventory of your discipleship, using the D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E.S. acronym:
D - Disciplined in daily life.
On a normal day, you spend time with God, praying, worshiping Him, meditating upon His word and serving others. That is your path of instruction, following Jesus.
I - Intimate friendships
You have a close relationship with God, but you also have a close relationship with other Believers.
S - Self-image
You want to see yourself as God sees you: Saints, soldiers, the beloved, the branches of the vine, and so forth.
C - Corporate worship
You love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and communicate that love in worship, whatever the location or method.
I - Intimate family life
Your family is your first ministry.
Sometimes the most Spiritual thing you can do is to throw a ball in the backyard with your child or take your spouse out on a date night.
You live God's word before them because they are more likely to follow your example than your advice.
P - Passion for God
You not only believe right and behave right (according to God's word), but you feel right - you feel passion for God.
With that passion, you can turn the world upside down!
L - Lay Ministry
You know your Spiritual Gift and are ministering in the area of your giftedness to help build up the body of Christ.
E - Evangelistic Interest
Regardless of style, you pray for, care about, think about, and minister to the lost.
The closer we get to God, the more we find a God who is focused in on the lost sheep.
In a practical way, you share how you came to faith in Jesus, share what He's done for you, invite others to church, and plant seeds of salvation in others wherever you can.
S - Sacrificial Giving
Generosity is core to your development as a follower of Jesus Christ. You regularly sow into the work of ministry, help feed the hungry, and take care of others, just as Jesus did.
How do you think you are doing as Jesus' disciple - which areas are you strong in? Which ones do you need to work on?
Seek God in prayer as to what you can do to become stronger in your discipleship and yield to the Holy Spirit as He guides you each day.
Remember, only a disciple can create a disciple!