What does it mean to be a Disciple?

Do you ever find it difficult to follow instructions?

Maybe you're told to wash up and you plan to do it, but just not immediately...

Maybe you have difficulty following the road speed limit because you feel everyone is just driving too slow...

Maybe your manager tells you to do something and you don't do exactly what they say because you think it could be done a better way, and you're so sure that they're going to like how you've gone 'over and above' what they've said...

Whatever the reason, our ability to follow instructions is ultimately based on our wants and our desires. We want to be in control of not only when we follow instructions but also how we follow instructions.

The Word of God is clear

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’.

John 8:31-32 If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

These verses encourage reliance on God's guidance and instructions for a righteous and fulfilling life. Maybe the truth is we know that we should follow instructions, but maybe we're just not very good at listening, or maybe we just don't want to listen, because surely if we did, we'd pay more attention to the voice of God. We'd try to put away all distractions. We'd make time for God instead of fitting God around our day.

There were many people in the bible who didn’t follow the instructions of God fully. For example:

Jonah

Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh and warn the city of impending judgement (Jonah 1:2). Instead, Jonah fled in the opposite direction to Tarshish and the impact of this was that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, spending three days and nights in its belly. After repenting, Jonah fulfilled God's command. This story highlights what can happen when we run from God's will and His mercy in offering second chances.

Ananias and Sapphira

In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but deceitfully kept part of the money for themselves while claiming to have given it all to the apostles (Acts 5:1-11). As a result of this both of them were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit, serving as a warning about dishonesty and hypocrisy within the Christian community.

Lot’s Wife

When fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, God commanded Lot's family not to look back. Lot’s wife disobeyed by looking back at the city (Genesis 19:26). She was turned into a pillar of salt, symbolising the cost of longing for a sinful past and failing to fully trust God's deliverance.

These stories emphasise the Bible's overarching themes of obedience, trust in God, and the serious consequences of disregarding His instructions. They also demonstrate God's justice, mercy, and the opportunity for redemption despite human failings.

Discipleship is a process

Do You have a teachable Spirit?

Having a teachable spirit is associated with having wisdom. Proverbs 19 v 20 says - Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Accepting correction and guidance is a mark of wisdom. Listening to advice doesn't always mean taking that advice, but that is where wisdom comes in so that you can evaluate when you implement what is being said. We all require teachers in our lives, because that is how we grow. Whether we are listening to teachers in the classroom, or listening to our parents' guidance, we are never too old to continue learning and following instructions.

Living The Blessed Life requires us to be a true disciple and follower of Christ and have a teachable spirit.