Your Life – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

Consider the importance of intentionally living a life that is, “…worthy of the Lord and pleases Him in every way…” Discipleship does not settle for passive commitment, mere peaceful feelings, or even good answers to Biblical questions. The real issue of our spiritual worthiness relates directly to our faith and character. Remember that no natural God-given ability or personality trait will ever overshadow the sermon of your – life!

The way we think, act, and react impacts people all day long. There is no better way to establish the credibility of our witness than to protect our ethics, integrity, and personal purity. The Bible says, “…let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” and “as a man thinks in his heart so is he…” (Philippians 2:5 and Proverbs 23:7)

Our example is at the very heart of our Christian testimony. As the Lord’s disciples, anyone should feel perfectly safe to follow – in our footsteps. Why? Simply because we have chosen to walk so closely with the Master that our new thinking and behavior have increasingly become like His. The Bible says, “If you have received Christ Jesus, so walk in Him….” (Colossians 2:6, NIV)

Very soon, your life’s brief journey will be over. At that time, you will be privileged to enter heaven because of God’s love and your sincere faith in His Son. However, like all others, you will be rewarded in heaven for having sought to think and live like your Master. As a result, your heart will be overwhelmed with heaven’s joy! For that reason, the Bible says, “…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…” (1 Timothy 4:7)

As you meditate on the beauty of life’s intended purpose – there is one important question to consider. What testimony would you want to leave behind when you go to be with Him? (see John 14:1-3) Pause to quietly realize that as a believer, when you leave this earth to join the Lord, it is your faith and deeds that will be remembered. The Lord said, “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

The way you currently choose to invest the treasure of your time, influence, and resources will create your reputation. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) The Bible gives us this additional word of instruction, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33a) In our daily decisions, God’s kingdom must become our first priority. Everything we say and do will ultimately be measured by this universal and timeless standard.

Alright, today is a brand-new opportunity to choose to live with victory! So, what will it be? Do you want to move beyond good intentions and self-centered thinking to dynamic Christian living? Do you truly want to be remembered as an inspiring daily witness? If so, bring all your thoughts, dreams, and plans to the altar. Your personal witness will be vibrant if you focus on being a clean, yielded vessel. The Bible says, “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves…will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)