How do I Become a Disciple?
Matthew 16:24 (The Message)
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Notes: Jesus speaks to his disciples about what it truly means to be his disciples (followers). He tells them they can only be his disciples if they let him lead the way. He lets them know they cannot drive, he has to be the driver of their lives. Wouldn't your parent think it odd if your mother or father were driving the car and you just tried to take over the wheel while they were still driving? It could cause an accident if you did. This is why God says you can't drive if he is, because two people cannot lead. He tells them they cannot try to help themselves out of situation (such as suffering and pain) but they must instead be willing to sacrifice themselves even if it means going through hardship for his sake.
Question: What do you think the difference is between self-help and self-sacrificing?
Answer: In our world today, there are many "self-help" books and teachings. These are set up to help you cure yourself or whatever is bothering you. If you are depressed, then you can read a self-help book and follow all the instructions and you will be fine is what the teaching is. What do you think is missing in that equation? God. There is no God in a belief that you can cure yourself and get rid of all your problems. To be "self-sacrificing" means you are willing to let go of trying to fix it yourself even if things seem to be getting worse when you do. You willingly let God handle the fixing and taking care of your life. This is the mark of a true disciple, one that does not rely on themselves but on God completely.
Prayer: Lord, today help me to be a true disciple. Help me to stop trying to fix everything myself. Help me to stop trusting in myself and to place my trust completely in you. When I do, I AM truly a disciple of Christ.
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