But what does it mean to be a disciple?

This week as Makerere full gospel church we looked at a contrast between a believer and a disciple. It is important  to remember that Discipleship is the growing in true character and competences of Jesus Christ. The goal of discipleship is ;

1. To turn into a fully grown, mature disciple and a witness of Christ. 
2. To become consistent with God .
3. To become more like Jesus Christ.

 A disciple is therefore a learner, student,devoted follower who has committed their life to Jesus Christ, believing in him and actively seeking to imitate his teachings and lifestyle through a life long journey of faith,obedience, and service.

A believer on the other hand only stops at receiving Christ as their personal lord and saviour. Believers have the following characteristics;

1. Sunday is their prayer day ie, “as long I attend service on Sunday its enough”.
2. Doing life with others is not that important.
3. Their lives are too much of themselves.
4. Can easily be compromised to sin.

Jesus in Matthew 16:24 remarks that to follow him,you ought to pick up your own cross . this is what he actually meant; denouncing worldly desires, embracing self denial, bear burdens and challenges and hardships that come with following Jesus. And this is who an actual disciple is.

Jesus walked with the disciples, and after he left the earth, they continued doing what he told them to do. It is worth noting that you don’t stop at becoming a disciple. Discipleship is a continuous process. You don’t actually graduate from it; you continue to make disciples, and the disciples you make make other disciples until Jesus comes back.

So the question is , where do you belong? Are you a believer or a disciple? And who is your discipler? Who are you discipling?