But can you imagine what it would look like
for a group of people to actually be fully trained as disciples of Jesus? To be
fully trained, quite simply, means to become like Jesus in attitude and action.
So if we want to understand what Jesus meant by fully trained we simply need to
notice what was important to him. I found four things that consistently arise
in Jesus life – prayer, service, speaking the good news, and obedience. These
practices were foundational to Jesus’ identity, they were also crucial for the
completion of his mission.
For disciples these practices are not
optional, rather they form the core of what it means to follow Jesus.
In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being
in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to
his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his
commands. Whoever says, “I know him,”
but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that
person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for
God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6 NIV)
This is how love is made complete among us so that we
will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
(1 John 4:17 NIV)
Possessing the mind of Jesus. Living as Jesus
lived. Like Jesus. All these are powerful ways of saying that it is possible to
be fully trained! When disciples accept the training, and then live like Jesus
– the world changes! Let’s get trained by Jesus…
-
Kenny Payne
