Those who follow Jesus are called disciples. A disciple is one who comes alongside Jesus with a specific goal of growing to be like Jesus. Every believer is called to be a disciple. Every believer is expected to make disciples. Calvary Baptist Church embarked Sunday on an intense nine-month focus called the Journey.
In recent research, George Barna asked Christians about their goals and discovered some troubling realities.
When Christian adults were asked to identify their most important goal for their life, not a single person said it was to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, or to make disciples of Christ.
Less than one in five believers even mentioned investing energy into a spiritual growth goal. They had no specific measurable goals related to spiritual development. Few believers seem focused on spirituality.
Despite being allowed to choose multiple options from a list of spiritual growth goals they did not choose the foundational aspects of growth.
Fifteen percent of believers said they wanted to read the Bible more or understand Biblical content. Thirteen percent wanted to attend church more consistently. Eleven percent desired to have a better prayer life. Finally, only one percent mentioned growth in worship.
This tragic lack of focus on spiritual growth is a problem but indicates a greater struggle. Believers forget the important things when their discipleship relationship with Jesus is not the highest priority. Begin this journey by hearing His call again.
Jesus didn’t call people to discipleship once. Following Him is not as simple as heeding a one-time call. The discipleship journey is an ongoing process where we become more and more like Jesus. Begin the Journey by hearing and responding to His call. It is a progressive call; He starts where you are so find your spot and respond to the Master.
Come and See
John 1:38-39 “Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.”
It is amazing to see this exchange. These unnamed disciples follow Jesus for a distance. What had they seen? What was their interest? These questions are unanswered.
What we do know is that Jesus saw them following and asked what they wanted. It must have been a little awkward when Jesus talked to them. Surely, they wondered about more than where He was staying. Yet, Jesus met their question by inviting them to come along and see.