You and I might spend about 70 to 80 years on this earth. That’s not very long when you compare it to eternity. So the big question is: What are we living for? What really matters?
Trading the American Dream for God’s Mission
Every day, the world bombards us with the message: get more, live better, be comfortable. It’s all about self—me, me, me. But deep inside, we know this version of the American dream isn’t the real purpose of life. It’s a counterfeit.
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to live differently. Jesus invites us to live as “traders.” Not stock traders, but people who trade worldly pursuits for Kingdom purpose. It’s not about where we live—it’s about what we live for. Jesus’ mission makes us missionaries wherever we are.
A trader is someone who lives their faith out loud—intentionally, sacrificially, urgently. It’s about using our time, money, and skills to point people to Jesus. When we see injustice, we step in. When we see someone in need, we help. Like the Good Samaritan, we choose to go and do likewise (Luke 10:37).
Work Is Worship
Being a well disciple also means viewing work as worship. Whatever you do—whether it’s behind a desk, driving a truck, or managing a household—you can glorify God in it. God gave you talents, passions, and responsibilities. When you do your work with excellence and integrity, you honor Him. And when your work becomes a platform to reflect Christ, it becomes ministry.
The Time Is Now
Being a well disciple means acting now. Time is short. Eternity is long. We can’t wait until “someday” to get serious about following Jesus or investing in others. God is calling us to live with urgency and intention right now.
Living Out the Great Commission
In the well known the Great Commission passage in Matthew 28 Jesus says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
These aren’t just inspiring words—they are marching orders. Yet many of us nod in agreement and still wonder, “How do I do that? How do I make disciples?”
More Than a Workbook
Sometimes we think discipleship is just going through a study book. Maybe you’ve used something like Lessons in Assurance and thought, “Once we fill in the blanks, and complete all the pages the job is done.” But discipleship is more than a checklist—it’s a relationship. It’s about walking alongside someone, helping them grow in Christ, and pointing them to Jesus again and again.
One great tool is the New Testament resource we often share. It walks people through foundational truths, includes Bible reading plans, and answers big questions. It’s something you can give away or go through together. It’s a start, but not the end.
Are You Living Well?
So let me ask: Are you living well? Not “Are you living comfortably?” or “Are you successful by the world’s standards?” but are you truly living as a disciple of Jesus? Are you a well disciple?
A well disciple worships, evangelizes, learns, and loves.
Let’s break those down:
Worship
Have you made it a priority to worship God? That might mean showing up for church, singing praise, giving financially, or living out your faith at work. Worship isn’t limited to Sunday mornings—it’s a lifestyle of honoring God.
Evangelism
Are you sharing your faith? Do people around you know you’re a Christ follower? Are you looking for opportunities to tell others about Jesus? It doesn’t have to be complicated—just be willing to share what God’s done in your life.
Learning
Are you spending time in God’s Word? We have Bible reading plans online and resources to help. Whether it’s reading, listening to Scripture, or studying with others, a disciple keeps growing.
Loving
Are you showing Christ-like love to others? Do you care about people? Are you burdened for the lost? Loving others means being willing to invest in their lives, even when it’s hard.
What Is a Disciple?
A disciple isn’t just a Christian in name. A disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus. The word literally means “learner” or “follower.” It implies action and imitation. We’re called to become like our Teacher—Jesus.
Luke 6:40 says: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
So if you’re helping someone become a disciple, you’re also setting an example. The question is: Are you a disciple worth following?
Becoming a Model Worth Following
Discipleship isn’t just about content—it’s about character. People will often become like the ones who disciple them. That’s why we must pursue Jesus passionately and invite others along for the journey.
You might not feel qualified. You might think, “I’m not perfect.” That’s okay. Just be willing. Start with one person. Look around—maybe it’s a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, or even your own kids. Just start investing.
Don’t announce, “You’re my new disciple.” Instead, build a relationship. Ask spiritual questions. Share what you’re learning. And grow together.
God’s Goal: Christlikeness
Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s goal is to conform us into the likeness of His Son. That means God is actively working in our lives to make us more like Jesus. Can you look back and see progress? Even if it’s slow, can you see growth?
God’s not done with you yet. And He wants to use you to help others grow too.
Passion for the Lost
Jesus’ mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). If we want to be like Jesus, we must care about the lost too. That might mean passing out Bibles, handing out tracts, or just having honest conversations about faith.
We have events and outreach opportunities—like our Halloween outreach—to plant seeds and share the gospel. There are so many ways to help, but it starts with caring. Let your heart break for what breaks God’s heart.
True Life Through Jesus
John 20:31 says: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
True life is not found in stuff, status, or success. It’s found in Jesus. Eternal life starts now. And it gets better as we walk with Him and help others do the same.
Obedience and Love
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31). He also said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
A well disciple holds on to Jesus’ teachings and lives them out in love. Love doesn’t mean permissiveness. It means pointing people to the truth in grace.
Bearing Fruit
In John 15:8, Jesus said: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Your life should bear spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience—and it should impact others for Christ. That’s what it means to live a productive, well-spent life.
Shine Your Light
Matthew 5:16 reminds us to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Light exposes, directs, and attracts. Your life should reflect Jesus in a way that makes others curious.
Even if some resist at first, others will be drawn to the truth in you.
Put Jesus First
Luke 14:26 challenges us to put Jesus before even our closest relationships. It’s not that we stop loving our families—it’s that our love for Jesus is so great, everything else pales in comparison. We must choose Jesus first.
Sometimes, people won’t understand your faith. You might even face criticism or persecution. But Jesus promised eternal rewards for those who follow Him.
Persecution and Reward
2 Timothy 3:12 says: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
It’s not easy. But it’s worth it. Jesus sees every sacrifice. Mark 10:29–30 reminds us that whatever we give up for Him, He will repay—both now and in eternity.
Declare Your Faith Through Baptism
Baptism is the public declaration that you belong to Jesus. It’s a landmark in your spiritual life. If you haven’t been baptized yet as a believer, let’s talk about making that happen. Obedience starts with small steps of faith.
Devotion to Obedience and Teaching
Matthew 28 reminds us not only to go and make disciples but also to teach them to obey all Jesus commanded. That means you need to be devoted to learning and obeying—and then passing it on.
You don’t have to know everything. Just be willing to grow, share, and invest. God will do the rest.
The Holy Spirit Will Help You
We aren’t in this alone. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our power, and our helper. He started a good work in you—and He will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
So take a step. Be a well disciple. Invest your life in others. Shine your light. Follow Jesus boldly and intentionally.
Let’s live well for the short time we have—and make an eternal impact.
Lord, help us to be well disciples—worshipping You, sharing our faith, learning Your truth, and loving others with Your heart. Show us our next step and give us the courage to take it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1201014 What WELL Disciples Know