Patterns of Discipleship

Luke 9:23-24

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

Reflections

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word discipleship comes from a Greek word meaning “the state of being a learner or follower of a doctrine or precept.” As we consider our patterns of discipleship, it is valuable to understand that there is a solid foundation of truth. Psalm 119:105 declares that God’s Word is a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” As we engage with Scripture, we are discipled toward greater stability and a renewed perspective. While God’s truth brings spiritual stability and can lead to healing, we must trust that healing—whether emotional, physical, or spiritual—is ultimately in His hands and may not always come in the way or timing we expect.

SACRIFICE
In Psalm 51:17, the psalmist David takes an honest look at his circumstances and recognizes his own sinfulness. As he takes this honest look, he moves into the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart. He doesn’t point the finger at another or justify his own actions. Instead, he repents and admits where he has been sinful; his spirit has become one of contrition.

OBEDIENCE
In Isaiah 30:20-21, the Lord Himself is counseling and reminds us that even in the midst of adversity and affliction, we are to follow instruction from leaders who espouse truth. “This is the way, walk in it,” still holds true when our circumstances and feelings desire something other than the directives of Scripture.

TRUST
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar passage: “Trust in the Lord…lean not on your own understanding…acknowledge Him…” In the midst of trauma and suffering, the very core of our trust is tested. We must press into the truth of who God is and trust Him even when things feel upside down and uncertain.

LOVE
And finally, love. “Therefore be imitators of God…walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us…” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Sometimes, our circumstances cause us to believe we have the right to hate another person. But Christ’s example is to love and sacrifice. We can hate the wrongs done against us, but Matthew 5:43-48 tells us to love, bless, do good toward, and pray for our enemies. It’s countercultural, but that is the imitation of Christ.

Are sacrifice, obedience, trust, and love reflected in your life today?

Prayer

Lord, allow me to see the value of leaning into the truths of Your Word and following after You even in the midst of difficulty.