Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Do you realize what Jesus is saying – many people are emotional about their faith, active in ministry, and perform miracles, but the gospel of grace has never transformed their hearts. They know about Jesus but are not disciples of Jesus.
Is there a difference between knowing Jesus and being His disciples? Both groups appear to do many of the same activities, but their motives are miles apart. Many try to impress God and those around them by being involved in church and service, but disciples do the same things to know God better and reflect His goodness and greatness to everyone. Some serve God if convenient, while disciples serve God based on conviction.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate, and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus compared the way to heaven as a path and suggested that many have intentionally widened that path by pushing aside the boundaries God placed before us in scripture. Some focus on the passages that promise what God will do for them, but disciples take the whole counsel of God seriously. Disciples follow God whether they agree with God’s Word, whether they understand or not, whether obeying is comfortable. Others elevate their opinions, feelings, and thoughts above the Word of God, while disciples elevate the Word above their opinions, feelings, and thoughts. Jesus says that because so many have created a wider path, they will miss the gate that leads to eternal life with Him. Many will miss eternity with Him because they are playing the game of being a believer. But it is not a game, or a performance God seeks but a relationship with Him. The creator of the universe, who wants us to spend eternity with Him, has given us the Holy Spirit, prayer and scripture to guide us to Him.
Have you ever considered whether you are just a part-time follower of Christ? Do you only trust God when everything is going well? Disciples follow God regardless of the circumstances. Part-time followers stick around if God seems to bless them, and life is easy, but disciples keep pursuing God and trusting in Him even when their world is falling apart. God asks us to believe in Him, repent, and turn away from our desire to be followers under our terms. He asks us to acknowledge His grace and forgiveness, repent, and turn from those activities we know are offensive to Him, those around us, and even ourselves. He wants us to turn from weekend followers to 24/7 disciples.
Instead of starting your day with a coffee, breakfast, a quick check of the news, or whatever you habitually do, start your day by saying. “You are my God, and I want to be on the path that leads to you. Help me honour and love you daily”. It’s a start on the discipleship path.