Be. Become. Do. – A Conversation on Discipleship
Discipleship is the lifelong journey of following Jesus—being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. It’s more than just attending church or learning theology; it’s about allowing Jesus to transform every part of our lives. Recently, we had a conversation at Open Door Church reflecting on what it means to truly follow Christ in these three key areas.
Being with Jesus
Discipleship begins with simply being with Jesus. Before we can become like Him or do His works, we must cultivate a relationship with Him. Prioritizing time in His presence through prayer, scripture, and worship is foundational.
Many believers struggle to make space for God amid the busyness of life. The key is intentionality—whether it’s setting aside quiet moments in the morning, meditating on scripture throughout the day, or inviting Jesus into everyday activities. Even in life’s most routine moments, God desires to meet with us.
If you find it difficult to remain consistent in His presence, start small. A few minutes of focused prayer or a single verse to meditate on can create space for God to work in your heart. Over time, these small moments build into a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
Becoming Like Jesus
Following Jesus isn’t just about spending time with Him—it’s about being transformed into His likeness. Discipleship is a process of spiritual growth, where God shapes our character to reflect His own.
Growth often comes through challenges. There are moments when God calls us to surrender old habits, attitudes, or perspectives so we can walk in greater obedience. These refining seasons can be uncomfortable, but they are essential to becoming more like Christ.
Community also plays a crucial role in our transformation. Walking with fellow believers provides accountability, encouragement, and support. Whether through small groups, mentorship, or friendships, surrounding ourselves with people who push us toward Christlikeness is vital.
Keeping our hearts open to the Holy Spirit’s work requires humility. It’s easy to resist change, but true discipleship means inviting God to refine us. Daily surrender through prayer and reflection allows us to grow into the people He’s calling us to be.
Doing What Jesus Did
Jesus didn’t just teach—He lived out His message through service, compassion, and miraculous works. As His disciples, we are called to do the same.
Serving others isn’t reserved for pastors or ministry leaders; it’s for every believer. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, evangelism, or meeting practical needs, we all have opportunities to live out the gospel daily. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to make disciples, not just attend church.
Many feel unqualified to step into ministry, but God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for willingness. Throughout scripture, we see God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. When we step out in faith, He equips us for the work ahead.
A Call to Deeper Discipleship
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about discipleship, what would it be? Many of us would say to trust God more, surrender sooner, or invest more in spiritual growth. The good news is that today is an opportunity to lean deeper into following Jesus.
As a church, we are on this journey together. What would it look like for us to grow in discipleship as a community? Perhaps it means deeper relationships, more intentional discipleship efforts, or a renewed focus on living out our faith daily.
Discipleship is not just a personal journey—it’s a call to impact the world for Christ. As we continue to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did, we will see transformation in our lives and in those around us.
What is one step you can take this week to grow in your discipleship journey?
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