Obedience-Based Discipleship
We are familiar with Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations – “baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” But it’s easy to skip the next phrase: “teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given to you.” (NLT)
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Note: This post is the second in our “Discipleship DNA” series that covers what we consider core values for discipleship.
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Our second core value at Pattern is “Obedience-based Discipleship.” Why is this such a big deal? Well, it starts with asking, “How do we recognize a true follower of Jesus?”
Should we look for an expert in theology? Should we listen for a person who says the right things about Jesus? Should we take note of the person who regularly attends Sunday morning services? Or should we look at the path they are walking?
We are familiar with Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations – “baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” But it’s easy to skip the next phrase: “teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given to you.” (NLT)
Jesus gave a new command to love one another and to love God with all we are. His followers obey him because they love him. It is his way. It is his path. Obedience is one footfall after another on this path.
Thankfully, Jesus made this clear for his followers when he modeled a life of obedience to the Father – even a willingness to die on a cross. He gave up his own way to obey the Father. And he invites us to do the same.
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NLT
To some, this may sound like a works-based faith, but it’s far from it! Our step-by-step obedience is a natural response to the grace that has been given to us.
Followers of Jesus are changed, moment by moment, into the character of Christ. We become more like him when we place our foot where his foot has been. Out of love and devotion to our Savior, we follow closely at his heels. One step of obedience at a time.
