DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT AN OPTION

Not all paths lead to the same place – choose wisely!

In a culture where convenience often shapes commitment, it’s tempting to treat Christianity like a label rather than a lifestyle. But Jesus never called people to simply believe in Him with their minds—He called them to follow Him with their lives. At the heart of true Christianity is discipleship—not as an advanced option for the super-spiritual, but as the basic call for every believer.

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship means becoming a student and follower of Jesus, actively learning to obey His teachings, imitate His character, and participate in His mission. It’s not about attending church occasionally or checking a religious box. It’s about surrendering our lives to the Lordship of Christ and growing to reflect Him more fully day by day.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Notice the word anyone. Not “pastors,” not “missionaries,” not “those with extra time”—anyone. This call to self-denial and daily following is for every believer-that means you, and that means me. Discipleship is not a side path in the Christian journey; it is the path.

Discipleship Is Proof of Authentic Faith

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” – John 8:31

Abiding in Christ’s word—living by it, clinging to it, shaping our decisions around it—is the evidence that our faith is genuine. The book of James echoes this, warning that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). A Christian who is not growing in discipleship is not merely immature—they are in danger of self-deception.

Discipleship Is an Invitation to Life

Many churches today promote a version of Christianity that emphasizes forgiveness without follow-through—salvation without sanctification. The sinner’s prayer is repeated, the hand is raised, but the life remains unchanged.

But Jesus doesn’t invite us to add Him to our lives—He calls us to surrender our lives to Him. Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” This isn’t a grim sentence, but a doorway into real life. As we die to self, we come alive in Christ. Discipleship is costly, but the cost of non-discipleship is even greater: a fruitless life and a shallow faith.

Discipleship Is Relationship

At its core, discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus. It’s about walking with Him, hearing His voice, and letting Him shape us through Scripture, prayer, community, and obedience. It’s also about multiplying our faith by investing in others—just as Jesus did with His twelve disciples. Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, commands: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” We aren’t just called to be disciples—we’re called to make them. Authentic faith replicates. A true disciple naturally becomes a disciple-maker.

Discipleship may be challenging, but it is also joyful, life-giving, and filled with the presence of Jesus Himself. As He promised in the Great Commission:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Crucial Questions

Have I treated discipleship as optional in my own life? If so, why?
What areas of my life am I still holding back from Jesus’ Lordship?
Do I regularly spend time with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and worship?
Am I following Jesus in both belief and behavior?
Is there someone I’m helping grow in their faith—or someone who could help me grow?
What must I do to follow Jesus more closely as His disciple?

Let Us Pray…

Lord Jesus,
I confess that I have tried to follow You on my own terms. I’ve treated Your call to discipleship as optional or delayed it for later. I repent of my half-heartedness and my desire to stay in control. Today, I surrender. I want to be Your disciple—not just in word, but in action. Teach me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow You with all my heart. Fill me with Your Spirit. Shape me by Your Word. Help me grow in grace, in truth, and in love. Use me to make disciples for Your glory. I commit my life to You again—fully, freely, and forever.

In Your Name I pray, Amen.

So Where Do We Start?

If you’re realizing that you’ve settled for a version of Christianity without discipleship, don’t be discouraged—be invited! Jesus is still saying, “Follow Me.” Start by: