Westside Church of Christ

The decision for discipleship is one of the most important choices that we will ever make. It takes us into a world that is totally distinct from the one in which we live. It calls us to leave the old mindset and enter into a radically different way of thinking. It feels unnatural because it is. It is supernatural and spiritual. Our motivations change. So, do we. It transforms us in ways that we can’t imagine.

“Do not be conformed to this world…(Romans 12:2)” It isn’t easy to resist cultural norms. Our times are ones of lax morals, and the standards that disciples follow stand in contrast. Modest dress and humble character are traits of Christians, whereas sensual and prideful are the ways of society. We don’t fit in. We stand out like light in the darkness, which is exactly the point (Matthew 5:14-16). It gets back to that different motivation. What do we want to accomplish? Is it to glorify our Father?

To resist the pressures of the world requires us to think differently. To do that, we need to feed our minds different information than we ordinarily get from our neighbors and friends. It is with that new data that a metamorphosis takes place. It doesn’t happen overnight and demands focused effort on learning and acting on the directions of the Lord. Again, it all begins with a decision and dedication. The goal is lofty, and the steps are steep. It won’t happen by accident.

Disciples walk out on faith. Much of the journey is shrouded in the fog of the unknown. Abram obeyed not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him and never offered a hint of where that would take them (Matthew 4:18-19). He did tell them that that He would change them, “I will make you fishers of men.” The Lord works within disciples to alter us as we obey Him (Philippians 2:12-13). God, the Creator, deals with His people in the unseen realm as we venture into the unknown.

Where it might take us is a mystery. It is both exciting and scary. Discipleship is an adventure that some will never know because of their unwillingness to depart their comfort zone. Growth and transformation are impeded there. Faith grows on the outskirts. We won’t venture very far without a deep belief in the One who leads us.

It isn’t an easy decision to plunge into discipleship. The familiar is less demanding. Sitting still demands nothing of us. To get up and begin a spiritual pilgrimage into strange new territory means we must have faith in the unseen God as we give up the reigns of our life to one we trust absolutely. It will test us, train us and transform us. It will also change the world. When we are different, so is the world.

Call to Praise: 1 Timothy 1:3-7

His word on it: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sermon: “The Pursuit of Excellence”