*

bits from bob....

Becoming like Christ: Disciplines that Build Discipleship

by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

Since the word Christian may be defined as meaning "like Christ," one way of summarizing the goal of the Christian life is to say we seek to "become more and more like Christ." If a Christian is defined as one who is like Christ, the goal of every serious Christian is to become like Jesus. The disciple becomes like the Teacher. Jesus said that it is enough for the disciple to become like the master (Luke 6:40). What does it mean that we are being transformed into his image? (2 Cor. 3:16-18) What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Christ? (Rom. 8:29) What do we look like when Christ is formed in us? (Gal. 4:19) Many explanations have been given, but one of the simplest responses is that we imitate him.

Carrying a cross requires discipline. Jesus taught his disciples about the necessity of counting the cost and taking up the cross. By example, Jesus taught us the necessity of discipline during his forty days in the desert, in his commitment to the early morning hours to prayer, and ultimately, by fulfilling the will of the Father on the cross. Fasting and prayer focused his life on God. In temptation, he found strength in the word of God. Fasting was not the source of temptation (a conclusion we may tend to draw in our contemporary world), but the strength for overcoming temptation. Extended nights and early mornings of prayer and solitude powered his marketplace ministry as he sought to serve rather than being served. The fortitude to face the cross was fashioned in Gethsemane prayer.

Many who have confessed Christ want to take up their cross and follow him, but do not know the first thing about the practical disciplines that build discipleship. The center of discipleship is Christ-likeness. Disciples become like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines of discipleship, understood and incorporated into the Christian life, will help move the Christian -- every Christian, the new Christian, and the tired Christian -- toward a life that is centered in Christ. Some lists of spiritual disciplines are quite long. Let me encourage you to begin more simply, by identifying a limited number of projects, activities, and exercises that you can incorporate into your Christian walk. Incorporate those spiritual disciplines that have life-changing power into the rhythms of your daily life.

As the New Year begins, a short list of suggested spiritual disciplines might include focused, planned Bible reading; consistent prayer; solitary meditation; shared discussion with a spouse, family or other Christians; private worship; and a service project. One could develop a spiritual rhythm wherein these six areas are rotated Monday through Saturday, with Sunday devoted to assembly and worship with the faith community.

Let us make one of our goals in the New Year that we will become more like Jesus!


Articles Index

Return to Home Page

http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/becoming-like-christ_spiritual-disciplines-of-discipleship.htm
Last updated January 1, 2020