Discipleship is an ongoing journey

Those who follow Jesus are called disciples.  A disciple is one who comes alongside Jesus with a specific goal of growing to be like Jesus.  Every believer is called to be a disciple.  Every believer is expected to make disciples.  Calvary Baptist Church embarked Sunday on an intense nine-month focus called the Journey. 
 In recent research, George Barna asked Christians about their goals and discovered some troubling realities. 
When Christian adults were asked to identify their most important goal for their life, not a single person said it was to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, or to make disciples of Christ.
 Less than one in five believers even mentioned investing energy into a spiritual growth goal.  They had no specific measurable goals related to spiritual development.  Few believers seem focused on spirituality.  
 Despite being allowed to choose multiple options from a list of spiritual growth goals they did not choose the foundational aspects of growth.
Fifteen percent of believers said they wanted to read the Bible more or understand Biblical content. Thirteen percent wanted to attend church more consistently.  Eleven percent desired to have a better prayer life.   Finally, only one percent mentioned growth in worship.  
 This tragic lack of focus on spiritual growth is a problem but indicates a greater struggle. Believers forget the important things when their discipleship relationship with Jesus is not the highest priority.  Begin this journey by hearing His call again.
 Jesus didn’t call people to discipleship once.  Following Him is not as simple as heeding a one-time call. The discipleship journey is an ongoing process where we become more and more like Jesus.  Begin the Journey by hearing and responding to His call.  It is a progressive call; He starts where you are so find your spot and respond to the Master.
 Come and See
John 1:38-39 “Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.”
 It is amazing to see this exchange.  These unnamed disciples follow Jesus for a distance.  What had they seen?  What was their interest?  These questions are unanswered.
 What we do know is that Jesus saw them following and asked what they wanted.  It must have been a little awkward when Jesus talked to them.  Surely, they wondered about more than where He was staying.  Yet, Jesus met their question by inviting them to come along and see.

 We are only left to wonder about the topics they discussed that day.  We don’t find answers as to how they felt.  What we do know is that they spent the day with Jesus.  He started right where they were and let them get to know Him. 
 
Perhaps you are just now hearing about Jesus.  He invites you to check Him out.  Spend some time with Him and His people.  He allows you that time. If you know Jesus well invite others to come alongside you and get to know Him.
 Follow Me
Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.  When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”
 Time had passed, people had heard about Jesus, listened to His teaching, and heard his heart.  Now it was time for them to decide.  Jesus makes no hesitation in issuing this call.
 We see two sets of disciples called here.  Peter and Andrew, it seems, own their boat, and have a lucrative fishing business.  We know from other passages that James and John are part of a family business.  Their father, Zebedee owned a business with more than one boat.
 Jesus’ call to them was unmistakable, offering no middle ground.  He presents a choice.  Follow Him or not.  To make that choice is to leave where they were.  They could not keep fishing and follow Jesus at the same time. 
 You face a similar choice.  To grow as a disciple will invariably involve leaving behind parts of our lives.  They could choose and so can you.  Will you choose to follow the only one who can save you?  Will it cost you something? Undoubtably! 
 Jesus’ call includes a promise. He will give them a higher purpose.  They will be made into fishers of men.  Notice that Jesus didn’t ask them to reinvent themselves.  He didn’t ask them to become by their own power.  He will make them into something they are not.
 He offers those who follow Him the same transformation.  Follow Him and He will mold you.  Become a disciple and He will shape your future.  They chose and so must you.
 He is either Lord of our life or He is not.  He made that demand clear when He challenged them, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” (John 13:13) He expects us to follow, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
 Mike Friesz is the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. He can be reached by email at drmikefriesz@sbcglobal.net.