The Lord got my attention this morning in the shower. He made me realise that there are mainly two kinds of people in the Church, namely, believers in Jesus Christ and disciples of Jesus Christ. The question is: Which one are you?
Whilst pondering the significance of the question, I was reminded that demons also are believers (believer meaning someone who believes). Here is how James puts it: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -and shudder.” (2:19)
Consider John 8:31, 32: “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
A real disciple of Jesus Christ is a believer in him who holds to his teachings (words). It means that not every believer is a disciple. To be a disciple of Jesus one must believe in him and hold to his teachings (words). It is important to note that freedom is for disciples only.
We often hear unbelievers say that Christians are hypocrites (evil doers pretending to be holy), that is, they do not walk the talk. I believe this is so because not every believer is disciple and only a believer who is disciple of Jesus can walk the talk because she/he has been set free.
It cost nothing to believe, but being disciple or holding to the teachings of Jesus Christ is challenging. However, the reward is worth the challenge. Believing in Jesus Christ is like enrolling into the kingdom of God. Enrolment is only the first step of a wonderful journey of learning and experiences which combine to bring one to maturity and productivity (graduation and work).
We need to pray and aim at becoming disciples of Jesus Christ in order for God to use us to bring freedom to the world. A captive cannot set another captive free. Only the man, woman or child that is set free can lead others to freedom.
May God help us, in Jesus Christ’s name!
