God's Word to the Wise

There is a difference between being a Christian and being a Disciple. 

Christian – Jesus is OK as long as He doesn’t interfere with our plans. In fact He is expected to bless our plans. 

Disciple – We forfeit our plans to follow Jesus’ plan for us. (Matthew 16:24-25) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Many church people think a disciple is a Christian who has gone on to make a higher level of commitment to Christ and His lordship than the average Christian. The assumption underlying this idea is that Jesus offers two acceptable standards or levels of commitment. Unfortunately this view fails to notice that Jesus had only one standard. His earthly ministry (up to the cross) was focused on proclaiming God’s kingdom and calling people to discipleship. What this entailed is featured through His work with the twelve, who were first called to be disciples and later chosen to be apostles who would lead the church in the mission of making disciples after His departure. But it is also seen in the many others who became His disciples as His ministry unfolded (Luke 6:13, 17; 19:37; John 4:1; 6:60, 66; 19:38). 

It has finally become apparent to me why I have done, or better explained, attempted so many different things. A friend told me I had a pattern of starting things, but not staying with them; finishing what I had started. I have been struggling with why I have had all these experiences. I was looking for an answer that would be flattering to me. I like to share/brag to others about all the many different things I have done.

However the search for the meaning for the things I did in my youth has ended with an answer that is not flattering. I started all those different things for my benefit and glory. Jesus was welcome to bless my endeavors/plan(s) but He revealed He had no need for them. What He desired was for me to forfeit my plans, interests, talents and surrender to His plan. I resisted His demand to surrender my will to Him. I was willing to be a Christian, not a Disciple. I resisted His demand “to lose my life.”

During my rebellion I was under the care of a believing doctor. He told me I was dying, but there was not a physical cause to be found. His medical opinion was I needed to settle things with God. I had dropped completely out of everything. My wife and friends were picking up my slack. Just weeks after he told me this I was, as usual, in bed around midmorning and suddenly a voice spoke out loud in my mind. “Trust in Me with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) I immediately replied out loud, “I will.” 

Lest you want to give me an attaboy pat on the back, I didn’t do it willingly. I required God to bring me to ruin where it was either death or surrender all to Him. Even in surrendering, God alone gets the glory!

All who are brought to Jesus by the Holy Spirit are disciples. 

So the next time “I Surrender All” is sung during worship, ask yourself, “Am I really willing to surrender all.” If not, I’d encourage you to remain silent during the singing of the hymn.