“A mature disciple is one who effortlessly does what Jesus would do if Jesus were him.”
Dallas Willard
Last week’s post described how one word from God changes everything. At the end of each year, I reread the words I had written down in my journal that God had spoken. His words of instruction and personal promises from 2022 are nourishment to my soul. The discipleship lessons God taught me last year helped me grow to become more Christ-like.
Christian author, Dallas Willard explains what a disciple is. “A disciple is a learner, a student, an apprentice, a practitioner. Disciples of Jesus are people who do not just profess certain views as their own but apply their growing understanding of life in the kingdom of the Heavens to every aspect of their life on earth.” In Luke 6:40, Jesus explained, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” I don’t know about you, but my heart’s desire is to be fully trained so that Jesus’ reflection would be clearly seen through my life.
The bullet points below are some of the lessons the Holy Spirit taught me last year. As you read through this list slowly, spend time pondering on the ones God highlights to you. Ask God to give you further revelation on those lessons that resonate within your heart.
Trust deepens intimacy and intimacy heals hearts.
Trusting God = Freedom and Joy. Trusting in Self = Anxiety.
Always choose the way of humility.
Pride gets in the way of relationships while depending on others builds trust.
All things are ultimately God’s responsibility.
God never reveals sin to shame us. It’s for the purpose of restoring our relationship with Him and healing our hearts to set us free.
Being your true self gives others permission to be their true selves.
When you know who you are, then you don’t need to prove it.
It’s in grieving and suffering that God is closest to us.
Grief is too heavy to carry alone. Release and entrust your grief into the Father’s hands.
“The greatest challenge the church faces today is to be authentic disciples of Jesus.”
Dallas Willard
Relevant Reflections:
1. Which of these discipleship lessons does God want to solidify and deepen within your heart?
2. Sit still listening to God’s voice, asking Him to enlarge your understanding.
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