Follower or Disciple, which race do you want to be in?

I believe that we were put on this earth to discover love, how to receive it and how to give it. I believe we were created, not accidental. I believe the beauty of nature is not by chance but because of the ultimate artist, that delights in our pleasure. I believe we are all the same and all different at the same time. I believe that the creator desires to have a relationship with each and every being on earth. I believe He chose to dwell among us, fully man, to show us what love looks like . I believe we continue to reject His sacrifice and lessons in a million ways everyday. I believe He loves us anyway. I believe He will not give up on us until we take our last breath. I believe following Him is somewhat easy, He only asks that we believe in Him. I believe that becoming His disciple is hard, because if we chose to answer His call as a disciple, we will be changed.

To become a disciple we need to spend time with the teacher. We must follow Him and learn what He does. We are expected in our limited capability to then become like the teacher. Ultimately we are then to go out and make disciples of “all mankind”.

As a disciple of Christ, I fall short. I worry about what others will think, will they still like me. What do I need to give up? I have a family, a home, an identity after all.

Some people in history have made Christians look very ugly. Some even to the point of haters. I certainly don’t want to be in that number. Lord forgive them!

I struggle to make it through the day trying to be “good”, patients is fleeting some days. Lord I don’t want to be like that Moses guy that took a temper tantrum on the rock instead of letting You do Your thing.

In how many ways have I denied you Lord? How many roosters have crowd in my lifetime? Like Peter it cuts my heart.

How many times have I been the pharisee looking down my high and mighty sinners nose at those that “don’t see the light and change”? Jesus ate with the sinners, not the saints.

So does that make me a follower, a fan? One who knows and accepts the Grace of God, but when the going gets tough, will I fade into the background? Run back home to my den where it’s safe and secure?

I personally want the light of Jesus to shine through me. I want to be kindness. I want to be love. I want to be a reflection of the Father. I will not be perfect, and thankfully perfection is not a requirement. That in itself makes the gift even more beautiful, unconditional love, always. What else is there to strive towards in life that makes the world a brighter, happier place, than love?

I want to be a disciple of Jesus, not a fan! I choose to start today!