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The DNA of Disciple: The Essence of Discipleship

Floyd Richardson

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Published in The Dna Of A Disciple: Imparting The Life Of Christ In The 21St Century

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As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to a life of discipleship. This is not a mere intellectual assent to a set of beliefs or a religious affiliation. Discipleship is a dynamic and transformational journey that involves our whole being. It is a process of becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.

At the heart of discipleship lies a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is not based on rules or regulations, but on love and trust. We love Jesus because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). And we trust Him because He has proven Himself to be faithful and trustworthy.

The Dna of a Disciple: Imparting the Life of Christ in the 21St Century

by TeQuila Connors

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Language	:	English
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This relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which all other aspects of discipleship are built. It is the source of our strength, our hope, and our joy. It is the power that enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God and fruitful for His kingdom.

The DNA of Disciple

The DNA of disciple is a complex and multifaceted concept. However, we can identify four key elements that are essential for a healthy and vibrant discipleship:

Love for God: This is the foundation of all discipleship. We cannot truly follow Jesus unless we love Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls (Matthew 22:37). This love is not a mere emotion, but a deep and abiding commitment to God. It is a love that is expressed in our obedience to His commandments (John 14:15) and in our service to others (Matthew 25:35-40).
Love for Others: Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This love is not limited to those who are like us or who are easy to love. It extends to everyone, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This love is not simply a feeling, but a choice that we make to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect. It is a love that seeks the best for others and that is willing to sacrifice for their well-being.
Service: Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). As His disciples, we are called to follow His example. We are called to serve others in need, both within the church and in the world. This service is not done out of obligation, but out of love. It is a way of showing our gratitude to God for His grace and mercy. It is also a way of making a difference in the world.
Evangelism: Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This is a challenging task, but it is one that is essential for the growth of God's kingdom. We are called to share our faith with others, both in word and deed. We are called to be witnesses to the transforming power of the gospel. We are called to lead others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Living the DNA of Disciple

Living the DNA of disciple is not always easy. There will be times when we fail and fall short. But it is important to remember that we are not perfect and that God's grace is sufficient for us. When we fail, we must repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. Then we must get back up and continue to follow Jesus.

The journey of discipleship is a lifelong journey. It is a journey of growth and transformation. As we walk with Jesus, we will become more and more like Him. We will become more loving, more compassionate, more serving, and more evangelistic. We will become more mature in our faith and more effective in our witness for Christ.

Are you ready to live the DNA of disciple? Are you ready to follow Jesus with all your heart, mind, and soul? Are you ready to love God, love others, serve others, and share your faith with others? If so, then I encourage you to start today. The journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it is a journey that is worth taking. It is a journey that will lead you to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and a more fulfilling life.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for calling me to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I confess that I am not perfect and that I will fail and fall short at times. But I ask for your forgiveness and for your grace to help me live the DNA of disciple. Fill me with your love, compassion, and power. Help me to serve others with humility and to share my faith with boldness. In Jesus' name, Amen.