Knowing and Following

As God's men, we are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission doesn't call us to make converts, make Baptists or even make believers. So if we're called to make disciples, then it stands to reason that we too must be disciples. This begs the obvious question: What does it take to be a disciple?

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means understanding the difference between knowing and following. We must know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We must know that he is the Son of God. We must know that he was fully God and fully man. We must know that he lived a perfect, sinless life and that he suffered and died on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. We must know that without his sacrificial death, we are doomed to suffer for eternity in Hell. We must know that accepting his free gift of salvation is the only way to eternal life in Heaven. This is knowing Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus Christ is another matter. We must follow his example of being obedient to God's will. We must follow his example of seeking quiet time alone with the Father in prayer. We must follow his example of knowing God's Word and applying to our daily lives. We must follow his example of serving the needs of others. We must follow his example of reaching the lost and demonstrating to them the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of the Father. We must follow his example of seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. This is following Jesus Christ.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is knowing him as Lord and Savior and then following him to know him in a deeper, more personal way and allowing him to have first priority in our lives. Making disciples is leading others so that they will know and follow Jesus Christ--with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.