Discipleship isn’t even in the Bible. Well, the word discipleship, at least. Why, then, do Christians talk about it so much? I think it’s because the word “discipleship” is one of the best ways to communicate what a life transformed by the gospel message looks like every day of the week.
When I got to college, I thought that if I was a “real” disciple, it meant I couldn’t enjoy soccer; I had to enjoy only Bible study. I thought discipleship meant I had to memorize Scripture every week or I wouldn’t make it into heaven. But that thinking couldn’t be more wrong. God’s desire for us has never been legalism–to follow a bunch of rules and only enjoy Christian community–his desire is that we enjoy him fully.
“Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.”
1 Timothy 6:17
Going to church every Sunday doesn’t make you a disciple. It is certainly a start and a good practice, but real discipleship happens seven days a week. Jesus said being a disciple means taking up your cross daily and following him (Luke 9:23). Discipleship is complete devotion to a cause every day. You can be a disciple of many things. Take Crossfitters, for example.
Crossfitters tend to get a lot of attention because of their physical fitness. If you’ve ever met someone who does Crossfit you know that their workouts are intense and they keep a strict workout schedule. Now imagine that they told you they only did Crossfit one day a week and then they ate junk food the rest of the week. That’s a funny image!
You see the point. If you are only a disciple one day a week, it means you’re not really a disciple. For Christians, this means your relationship with God is almost laughable. That’s harsh. It sounds legalistic. I know. Thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He isn’t saying that if you skip your Bible study one day, then it’s game over for you. He just needs all of you. He wants you to give him everything because he has given you the greatest gift anyone has ever been given.
If you wait until Sunday each week to hear from God, you are missing out on six days with Jesus. Is he a priority or a pastime?
I’ve come to realize that being a disciple doesn’t mean I have to only love God and not enjoy or do anything else that I love; but it does mean giving up selfish desires and chasing Christ with intentional passion. Full stop.
Jesus doesn’t want you only on Sunday. He wants you every day. That’s why discipleship is more than attending church.
Will you meet with him today?
Randy Howell (MDiv. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
Operations Manager & Ministry Support
Nashville Baptist Association