Many claim to have once followed Christ, still identifying with Christianity, yet lacking lacking the desire to practice it. Jesus reminds us of who are the genuine disciple. He said in John 8:31, “…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,”.
The word “abide” means to remain, to continue, to stay, to dwell. True disciples of Christ will persist in their faith. To be obedient is one thing, to persist in obedience is another. This is the expectation of Christ has for those who claim to be His disciples. We are not only those who begin; our surrendered lives should perpetually obey His Word.
Some hesitate to submit to a God-ordained church because we feel disconnected, “I’m not in the mood to go to church. I’ll take a nap then ask my church friends to go out.” Others may delay due to emotional struggles: “I have ill-feelings, I’ll consider being a disciple once I’m all better.”
However, this is wrong. Instead of focusing on our mood or feelings, we need to thoroughly think how much do we actually understand Jesus. We cannot be the determiner of discipleship. Admiring Jesus doesn’t mean you’re qualified as a disciple. Genuine discipleship is defined by persistence in obeying Jesus despite current mood or emotions.
I’ve always been amazed by our pastor and his wife, who, despite their age, do visitations together and prayer for our churchmates. I want to grow old with someone like them, serving the Lord together. When our pastor recovered from a severe illness, his first act immediately was to visit our churchmates. He eventually passed away, and his wife continued their ministry. For her, it’s not tradition nor a marital hobby they’ve developed, but a lifestyle of obedience to Christ.
This is what makes a true follower of Christ joyful and content. We will not live long in this world. Best we can do is to live for the Lord who created and redeemed us. Trust and obey Him, for He is more wonderful, more beautiful than our souls could ever long for.
