What is a Disciple?

On Tabitha’s team, we seek first to be disciples.

So what does that mean, anyway?

It means that the spirit of God is transforming us from within and directing us to his interests in others. We aren't just hanging around holding on to our ticket to heaven, and we aren't working down a checklist of good deeds.

The Bible has a lot to say about what it means to be a disciple. It means that I should:

• Follow Jesus with complete abandonment (Luke 14:26)
• Count the cost (Luke 14:28-30)
• Abide in him (John 15:1-8)
• Act on his words (Matthew 7:24-27)
• Love one another (John 13:35

I also need to understand that Jesus is not my Nirvana. He is not my good luck charm or a genie waiting to grant my wishes. I need to get over myself and get out of the way before God can do anything with me.

This is not about me.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting that sometimes. I want so much to do things right on my own that I forget about the fact that I can't. I treat God as if he is my audience, and tell him to "wait here and watch what I can do."

So he waits and watches my little performance as I try to impress him. Eventually, I grow tired of performing. This is when I have the opportunity to invite God to express his life through me.

So what’s the difference?

From the outside, it may be hard to tell. However, from the inside, the difference is like night and day.

I will either be stressed from striving for the unattainable or at rest in a close relationship with God that is letting his works flow out.

Sometimes the results of each will resemble the “Excellent Wife” of Proverbs 31.

However, there is an authenticity in God's version of excellence.

It is a life that will lead me out of my familiar circle, out of my comfort zone, and into the world God wants me to influence. It will be filled with more than bible studies and church socials as I reach out in real life to people who need the real Jesus.

Life as a disciple is an adventurous life, one in which we can’t worry about how dressed up and proper it looks. It is a life where we can stand firmly on the edge of the uncertain, ready to jump when God says “go.”

If we can learn to share in this adventurous life with other women, we will find friendship and support in the most unlikely places. We will find great satisfaction in seeing God use our imperfect circumstances, and joy that flows above and beyond our checklists and standards.

Are you living this kind of life?

Discipleship Resources

Drawing Women Closer to the Heart of God, DVD By Beverly LaHaye / Word Entertainment Inc

When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference By Carolyn Custis James / Zondervan

My Utmost For His Highest, Classic Edition, Mass Market Paperback By Oswald Chambers / Barbour Publishing

The Practice of the Presence of God By Brother Lawrence / Baker

Come Thirsty, softcover By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

O2: Breathing New Life into Faith By Richard Dahlstrom / Harvest House Publishers

The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus By Beth Moore / B & H Publishing Group

The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus (abridged on 3 Compact Discs) By Beth Moore, Sandra Burr / Brilliance Audio

John: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple By Beth Moore / B & H Publishing Group