Thursday, August 6, 2009

Becoming a Student

SCRIPTURE
"You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings."
John 8:31

OBSERVATION
A disciple is a student. Someone who sits at the feet of another in order to learn how to do something. If you want to learn Tae Kwon Do, you must become a disciple or student of an expert in the Korean martial art. And, if you want to be successful, you must obey the teachings of your instructor. The same is true of our spiritual life with Jesus. We become disciples of Jesus because he lived fully in the kingdom of God. As Christians, we too are called to live fully in God's kingdom. Too often, we live on the border, with one foot in the kingdom of the world and one foot in the kingdom of God. Sometimes, we move entirely out of God's kingdom an plant our feet fully in the world. Jesus teaches us how to move into God's kingdom. How to stay there. How to live there. And to do this, we must obey his teachings. We must do what he tells us to do.

APPLICATION
How frequently do I straddle the border? How often do I allow my life to be compartmentalized, with part of me pursuing things of this world while other parts pursue God. I am called to pursue God with all of me. All my thoughts, my actions, my will, my words... In order for this to happen, I have to become serious about being a disciple of Jesus Christ! Just as a half-hearted Tae Kwon Do student will never move beyond basic martial arts, the half-hearted disciple of Jesus Christ will never experience the fullness of God's kingdom. It's time to give up half-hearted Christianity and fully pursue obedience to my Lord and Savior.

PRAYER
Jesus, forgive me for being a half-hearted disciple. Help me to fully embrace my call to be your disciple.

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