Transformational Identity
Devotional
READ: Matthew 4:19-20
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to be his disciples early in his ministry, he already knew their job description. No longer would they be working on a fishing boat, hauling in their catch day after day. Instead, they would become his disciples and lifelong students and teach others to be the same.
Simon and Andrew's lives changed drastically from that day forward. Our lives, too, can be transformed when we answer the invitation to become disciples. This journey of discipleship, while it may not change our vocation or address as dramatically as Simon and Andrew's, leads to a new purpose and fulfillment. We find our life when we lose it for Christ (Matthew 16:24-25), a powerful testament to the transformative power of discipleship.
I came to know the Lord as a young teenager, and as a new believer, I received a book from my aunt about being a disciple-maker. The author encouraged me to tell others about my new faith in Christ and encourage them to become disciples of Christ. To a thirteen-year-old, this task seemed daunting and uncomfortable. Still, wanting to be faithful, I attempted to do what the book recommended. The only problem was I had no idea what a disciple was, let alone how to help someone else become one.
Thankfully, in the decades since my youth, I've come to better understand what a disciple is. To put it simply, a disciple is learning to be more like Jesus and teaching others to do likewise. A disciple is a student and a lifelong pursuer of Christ, a commitment that requires dedication. It means being an example of how the God of the universe can make such a profound spiritual transformation in us that others can't help but notice and desire that transformation for themselves.
That's what happened to Simon and Andrew. Their lives changed so drastically that others noticed. They became precisely what Jesus said they would: "fishers of people." Being disciples of Jesus became who they were, not just what they did. The plan is the same for us as Jesus' disciples. Following Jesus becomes who we are, not just something we do.
But maybe that all seems a bit complicated. Maybe questions that start with why and how are popping into your head. No worries. It's less complex than you might think. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit give us all we need to become disciples and help others do the same. It's a journey of simplicity, guided by the Word and the Spirit, a reassuring and confidence-building truth.
In encouraging others, I often find God uses the situation to inspire me. I recently shared some thoughts with a group on my own individual study of Noah. I was in the middle of facing a challenge that I did not feel qualified to take on. Even though the purpose of my sharing with the group was to remind everyone that God keeps his promises, and He will never put us into a situation that He will not help us through, He used that moment to speak directly to my heart about this situation and remind me that He will provide the skill to complete the task He has asked me to accomplish.
Sharing our experiences with others not only offers support and encouragement but can also deepen our own understanding of God's peace. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we create a space for others to see how God is working in our lives. This can be a powerful catalyst for faith growth and a reminder that we are not alone.
As we share our stories of finding peace amidst life's storms, we also invite others to experience the transformative power of God's love. By creating a safe and supportive environment where vulnerability is valued, we can collectively tap into the abundant peace that Jesus promised.
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to be his disciples early in his ministry, he already knew their job description. No longer would they be working on a fishing boat, hauling in their catch day after day. Instead, they would become his disciples and lifelong students and teach others to be the same.
Simon and Andrew's lives changed drastically from that day forward. Our lives, too, can be transformed when we answer the invitation to become disciples. This journey of discipleship, while it may not change our vocation or address as dramatically as Simon and Andrew's, leads to a new purpose and fulfillment. We find our life when we lose it for Christ (Matthew 16:24-25), a powerful testament to the transformative power of discipleship.
I came to know the Lord as a young teenager, and as a new believer, I received a book from my aunt about being a disciple-maker. The author encouraged me to tell others about my new faith in Christ and encourage them to become disciples of Christ. To a thirteen-year-old, this task seemed daunting and uncomfortable. Still, wanting to be faithful, I attempted to do what the book recommended. The only problem was I had no idea what a disciple was, let alone how to help someone else become one.
Thankfully, in the decades since my youth, I've come to better understand what a disciple is. To put it simply, a disciple is learning to be more like Jesus and teaching others to do likewise. A disciple is a student and a lifelong pursuer of Christ, a commitment that requires dedication. It means being an example of how the God of the universe can make such a profound spiritual transformation in us that others can't help but notice and desire that transformation for themselves.
That's what happened to Simon and Andrew. Their lives changed so drastically that others noticed. They became precisely what Jesus said they would: "fishers of people." Being disciples of Jesus became who they were, not just what they did. The plan is the same for us as Jesus' disciples. Following Jesus becomes who we are, not just something we do.
But maybe that all seems a bit complicated. Maybe questions that start with why and how are popping into your head. No worries. It's less complex than you might think. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit give us all we need to become disciples and help others do the same. It's a journey of simplicity, guided by the Word and the Spirit, a reassuring and confidence-building truth.
In encouraging others, I often find God uses the situation to inspire me. I recently shared some thoughts with a group on my own individual study of Noah. I was in the middle of facing a challenge that I did not feel qualified to take on. Even though the purpose of my sharing with the group was to remind everyone that God keeps his promises, and He will never put us into a situation that He will not help us through, He used that moment to speak directly to my heart about this situation and remind me that He will provide the skill to complete the task He has asked me to accomplish.
Sharing our experiences with others not only offers support and encouragement but can also deepen our own understanding of God's peace. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we create a space for others to see how God is working in our lives. This can be a powerful catalyst for faith growth and a reminder that we are not alone.
As we share our stories of finding peace amidst life's storms, we also invite others to experience the transformative power of God's love. By creating a safe and supportive environment where vulnerability is valued, we can collectively tap into the abundant peace that Jesus promised.
Personal Reflection
Have you observed God transform someone else's life? Have you seen Him transform your own? If so, how? What was your initial understanding of the word disciple as a new believer? Has it changed as you have grown in your faith?
Posted in UR Devotionals
No Comments