So far we've defined the life of a true disciple as one that:- Loves the Lord more than anything
- Loves others
- Forsakes self
- Carries his cross
Now we continue reading in Luke 9:23 where Jesus said "if anyone would come after me, he must... follow me." That means that we would want to be as He is, we would want to walk as He walked. Of course, no one can be like Christ in His deity, because He alone is God, but we can be like Him in His character and ministry. As a matter of fact, He said: "I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you." John 13:15. To do this requires sacrifice. It requires a daily strength that can only come through the power of His Holy Spirit. We cannot do it on our own; we need Him. The apostle Paul said that his desire for the believers was that Christ would be formed in them. Read it for yourselves: "Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I'm going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." Galatians 4:19 Oh, but the benefits, and the joy is unsurpassing! There is nothing better in this world than to follow Jesus!
The apostle Peter wrote: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."1st Peter 2:21 Those that are called are the believers, the disciples, and we were called for the purpose of following in His steps. This means a life of zeal and expenditure for His interests, His Kingdom, a life of passion for Him and those that belong to Him, a life filled with His Holy Spirit.
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