This kind of question will make many believers wonder because they don’t necessarily ask themselves where they stand in their walk with Jesus. My brother, my sister, have you recently (or ever) asked yourself if you are a believer or a disciple? Calling ourselves Christians is just a way to affirm our belonging to the Kingdom of Christ because we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour. However, a believer is the person who believes in Jesus but a disciple is a person who continues in His Word and becomes a follower at any cost.
My friend, just like the student trains to become like his teacher, the true disciple of Jesus trains to become just like his Master. He seeks to become more and more like Him every day. In Greek, the word “disciple” means ‘learner’ and ‘follower’ and is the same as being an intern and an apprentice. A disciple is not only a pupil but is an imitator of the teacher. You see, this is more than a scholastic study where you sit in a chair and take notes. You don’t learn everything from a book but you also need to imitate what you have been taught. This is not a small matter. And unfortunately, this is where many believers are stuck, because there is a cost to become a disciple of Jesus like nothing has ever cost you before! Becoming a disciple requires a greater level of submission than a believer, a greater level of commitment. Today, as you read this message, let the Spirit who speaks to you enable you to see yourself in the light of the Word. You see, Jesus told some fishermen that from now on, they would be fishing for men and women and “they forsook all and followed Him” (Luke 5:10-11). Do you just believe in Christ, or have you become His disciple?
Let’s clarify things a bit more: the Bible says “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:27-28). My friend, Jesus does not ask a disciple to only believe in Him because do that will not change their lifestyle. The same, today, if your life and priorities don’t completely change, then you have not yet become a disciple, you just became a believer. Becoming a disciple will require great discipline on your part. You will have to live like a highly trained athlete and the Holy Spirit will be your personal trainer. He will lead you and train you in the ways of the Master for ” A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” ( Luke 6:40). Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.