Making Disciples For Jesus, Not For Ourselves

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of The Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

The Oxford Dictionary defines a disciple as “a personal follower of Christ during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.” I have heard it said that some persons would say that they are a disciple of this person or that person, but I’ve always attributed the word disciple to someone who follows Jesus. There’s so much confusion in the church today about who we should follow, and listen to, who’s preaching, and whether we will decide to attend church or not. It baffles me when we as believers are supposed to follow Christ, and in following Christ, whomever He chooses to use, we honor and obey His decision. Church culture has become a culture of having fans and followers of ourselves and not of Christ. We want our followers to dress, speak, and look like us as opposed to walking with and like Jesus. We want to be worshiped. We want to be obeyed and honored, and Jesus has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Can you imagine how Jesus feels when we’ve made it about us and not Him? All things were created by Him and for Him. He is the express image of God the Father. There was nothing made that was made without Him. How amazing is that!? It baffles me how I’ve been going about living my life on Earth without really understanding that God owns me and everything on Earth. I knew that He did, but I wasn’t really living like He did. Worship and honor are for Jesus and Jesus alone. Of course, we give honor to others for their accomplishments, but it should never take the place of honor for God. When someone accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, they belong to Him and Him alone. The glory is for Him and Him alone. It has always been about pleasing Him. I love the workings of the Triune God because each One knows their role and place. God the Father loves and is pleased with His Son. Jesus loves and only pleases His Father. The Holy Spirit bears witness and gives glory to Jesus, He makes Jesus known and large. His role magnifies the Son.

Most people can’t function unless they are complimented or honored. It’s called pride when we want to worship that which belongs to God. We are in the red zone, the danger zone of our relationship with God when we always want to be used, praised, and exalted. It is nice to be complimented or gratitude expressed for something we do, but don’t allow it to be more important than the praise that the Lord receives. Being a disciple of Jesus is an honor, and we have the privilege to work with Him on earth. How cool is that!?

Daughters of Fire, what is the motive of your heart? Why do you do what you do? Are you a disciple of Jesus or a disciple of man? Do you serve to please God or man? Do you serve to be seen and does your service have to be made known? While we’re making resolutions for the New Year that’s upon us, let us resolve to truly become disciples of Jesus. Daughters of Fire, I have recommitted my life to serve Him for the rest of my years, not as is pleasing to man, but as is pleasing to God. As a disciple of Christ, I want Jesus to be recognized for the work He’s doing in my life. My heart’s song is for Him to fill my life until all that is seen is Him. Glorify Your Name, Jesus!