John 8:31-31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Various discussions are held as to the definition of “a disciple of Jesus Christ,” but Jesus Himself gives us an excellent working definition. Seeing this, we understand that discipleship isn’t a momentary “prayer of commitment,” though such can be very important. Rather, it is a matter of faithfulness over time. The Japanese expression for “abide” is interesting. It sounds very much like the term for “stop,” which is tomaru, but it uses a different character, and is read todomaru. It’s not just a pause, it’s an entering in, and that is important. The first time we read a Bible verse it might sound interesting, but not much more than that. It is when we let it work its way into our mind and heart that the real meaning starts to be manifested in our life. The NIV uses remain instead of abide, but Jesus said something astounding in the Upper Room Discourse: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) In other words, a true disciple can ask for whatever they like. The catch, if you want to call it that, is that a true disciple will only want what Jesus wants. When we find ourselves wanting things we have a feeling aren’t God’s will, then we can be sure we have further to go in becoming Jesus’ disciples. If you find yourself lusting after your neighbor’s wife, for example, you can be sure you have a way to go to becoming a true disciple. However, we aren’t to be anxious about all of this. We are to take in the Word daily (which a sadly small percentage of Christians actively do) and let it percolate in our heart and mind. That’s called meditation, but sadly, most people think that applies only to Buddhism or such. And we must remember that thinking alone is never enough; our thinking must provoke us to action. It’s like James said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22) Just listening isn’t abiding, it’s self-deception.

I have long known that the James verse was written explicitly for me, though it applies to all believers. I have known the Scriptures from infancy, like Timothy, (2 Timothy 3:15) and can hold my own in a theological discussion, but if I’m not living it out, then I’m not a true disciple. I am a pastor/teacher, charged with communicating the Word to others, but if I fail to apply the Word in my own life, I’m not a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I am never to be presumptive, but rather keep pressing in for more of my Lord, allowing His Spirit to fill and use me to do His will for His glory. Only then will I be a true disciple.

Father, thank You for this clear Word. Thank You for how You are indeed using us on this trip. Help us not be distracted by what others think we should be doing, but rather listen to You moment by moment, abiding in You as Your Word abides in us, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!