Discipleship Is Not An Option

Jesus said, ‘If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’  (Luke 9:23, Holman Christian Standard Bible).  Discipleship is a word that can become a buzzword some latch on to and others ignore or give less attention.  Frankly, I was reminded again this week, discipleship is not an option.

Discipleship is the process of growing in your faith.  Remembering my own spiritual journey led me down memory lane.  I recall now the faithfulness of a Methodist pastor who encouraged me and taught our weekly mid-week Bible Study, when I first came to know Jesus. 

I’m reminded of the gift of a subscription to a Christian magazine, from a friend of my mother.  With that magazine subscription, I also received a copy of the Living Bible New Testament.  The word of God fueled the fire in my heart.  The magazine articles were like a fresh breeze on the fire.  God used it all to encourage me in my early walk. 

In addition, somewhere around 1974, I purchased for a few dollars, The Navigators Topical Memory System.  I learned the important lesson early that discipleship involves hiding God’s word in our hearts.  While I struggle to remember things that happened three years ago, I remember those verses memorized in my teen years with amazing accuracy. 

I would work on two verses a week.  Each week had a theme.  The Bible is the Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8.  Another week was on the Christian Life – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20.  Also, I memorized Luke 9:23.  I learned that the Christian life is not about me – it’s all about Jesus.  I am crucified with Christ – but more alive than ever before.  Now, I must deny myself, (my old nature that likes to have it my way), and take up my cross – daily – and follow Jesus.  What a privilege.

To keep the fire burning, you must memorize the word of God.  If these verses are new to you, I just listed six that will get you started.  Go for it.  Memorize two per week.  That’s 104 in a year.  Repeat the new verses you are working on seven times, each day, for a week.  Then review them once daily from then on out.  And remember – discipleship is not an option!

Refocused to hide God’s word in my heart,

Bruce