How to Measure a True Disciple

I have heard discussed over and over again in the local church the definition of a true disciple.  Most discussions end with the concept of student, learner, or follower of Jesus Christ.  While these are good definitions, we also know it doesn't define the aspects of being a disciple more specifically.

I have been reading a book by Eugene Peterson called " A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" with the subtitle Discipleship in and Instant Society.   Peterson walks through Psalm 120-134 gleaning the qualities that must be present in a true follower of Jesus Christ.  For the next several blogs I will try to summarize the qualities that may help shed some light on what we need to be modeling and teaching as we attempt to disciple others.

The first concept we need to understand is "repentance".  We do not become a true follower of Jesus until we come to a point of turning from our sin and intentionally turning toward a whole new lifestyle of following Christ.   I truly believe that one cannot become a disciple until there is true repentance.

Unfortunately too many people want to come to Christ with an emotional decision that does not come with the mindful disgust of the world around us and a deep desire to live out something totally different.

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 120  I'm in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer: "Deliver me from the liars, God! They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth." Do you know what's next, can you see what's coming, all you barefaced liars?  Pointed arrows and burning coals will be your reward.  I'm doomed to live in Meshech cursed with a home in Kedar.  My whole life lived camping among quarreling neighbors.  I'm all for peace, but the minute I tell them, they go to war!


Repentance sees with disgust the world we live in and is convinced to live life differently.

Mencius said,  "Before a man can do things there must be things he will not do.