LEARNING DAILY

 

Luke 9:25, And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process? (New Living Translation)

 

Somewhere I heard (or I might have read) something about being a church member or a disciple. Any way I found a sheet of paper with this written on it: Church member or disciple; I decided to explore this today. It seems to be necessary to define the two words because today language and words are powerful and certainly shape who we are. For example, a person can just say who or what he/she is and others are supposed to go along with it as if what he/she believes about himself/herself is correct. I hope I got the pronouns correct.

 

It seems over the years the word “member” has also taken on a new or different meaning. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, Paul referred to the body of believers being many members, but members are of one body with Christ; one body with many members. He was describing many diverse talents and abilities united together by a common commitment to Jesus Christ. I wonder if somewhere over the years this thought has changed. I wonder if people refer to themselves as “members” of a certain church or denomination as one would refer themselves as a member of

any other organization. I think of many organizations which require dues and being a member of that organization results in various rights and privileges. For the most part, church “membership” requires nothing on the individual’s part to become a member. Church members are to volunteer, and we all know that only a few do. Church members may attend a church service but live the rest of the week like one who didn’t.

 

Churches are often evaluated by the number on their “membership rolls”. When numbers are the basis of success, when pastors are thought to be great and are patted on their backs for having large numbers sitting in attendance in their services, there is a problem. Too often those “members” are being fed “stuff” that keeps them coming back and does not have a lot to do with getting on and staying on the narrow way to eternity in God’s kingdom. The result is people getting religion without any obligation to walk the narrow way as Jesus demands. An unhealthy culture develops because numbers are more important than a relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Can any of you remember where Jesus referred to His followers as “church members”? Did He not refer to His followers as disciples? Would it not be good for church members to become disciples? A disciple is any person who has decided to follow Jesus Christ and become like Him. This involves developing a relationship with Him through the reading/studying of His Word, time with Him in prayer, and learning to trust Him in every situation and circumstance that comes up in life. A disciple is one who follows Jesus and is being changed by Him. It is about walking the narrow way with the help of the Holy Spirit when things get difficult and allowing the Holy Spirit to help with one’s decision-making. It is also about serving or doing what Jesus said when He said to go make disciples. Serving means wanting to see all people come to know Jesus as their Savior and helping them grow in their relationship to Him by walking on the narrow way.

 

Many churches are helping their members become disciples of Jesus. Each of you reading this blog understands the need to be a disciple and are attending a church who is helping you do so. I want to encourage each of you as you walk the narrow way to continue to love God with all your heart, your mind, your soul. Follow Him by picking up your cross, deny yourself, and follow Him. Let me also encourage you to not only be hearers of the Word but to be doers of the Word. Do not be just a member of a church; be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.