A Disciple of Jesus Imitates the Original Rockstar

Author - Emma Stanley

This week's blog and the next four will be different from the others we have written. This is fitting in many ways as we have become a very different group, with Sydney returning to Wyoming. Our dear, sweet friend was given an amazing job opportunity back in her hometown after many weeks of deliberating, praying, and asking for more counsel than I could even wrap my head around. She felt she was being called to go, although this was so hard because we would miss our friend and sister in Christ. We are overjoyed for this new adventure in her life and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for her as we continue to pray and love on her even from over a thousand miles away. Sydney, my dear, I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know and grow with you in the time we had together. The room will always feel a bit empty without your beautiful presence filling it!

So…, for the next five weeks, we will be writing on five different aspects of being a disciple of Christ. This week, I have been given the joy of covering disciples imitating Jesus' life and character. Let's get into it:

Discipleship is a life-long journey, marked by a commitment to imitate the life and character of Jesus. As disciples, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ, embracing His teachings and embodying His transformative power in our daily lives. But why is it important for disciples to imitate Jesus, and how can they do so effectively?

First, it is important to understand that discipleship is not merely a set of rules or doctrines to follow but a way of life. Jesus modeled a life of love, compassion, humility, and servant leadership. We, as His disciples, are called to emulate these qualities in our own lives. By imitating Jesus, His disciples have the opportunity to experience spiritual growth, when we align our spirit with the Holy Spirit. Living only for what He has for us. In the most blatant of terms: it is through the Spirit alone that we can even begin to take the title of "Jesus' disciple." We can do nothing but listen and act upon what the Holy Spirit guides us to do.

So, how can disciples effectively imitate the life and character of Jesus? One way is through prayer and reflection. By taking the time to pray and reflect on Jesus' teachings and example, disciples gain a deeper understanding of His character and how to embody it in their own lives.

Discipleship is not a solitary endeavor; it flourishes in the embrace of community. Sharing the journey with fellow disciples fosters accountability, encouragement, and mutual growth. As Jesus surrounded himself with a diverse group of followers, modern disciples find strength in unity.

Disciples must also take action. Jesus did not just preach about compassion, humility, and servant leadership; He lived it out through His actions. Likewise, disciples must not only talk about these qualities but actively seek to embody them through their actions and choices. Imitating Jesus is not just about the robes and sandals- it's about walking the talk with unapologetic confidence, a confidence we're given through the Spirit after Jesus' ultimate act of love and selflessness in His death and resurrection.

In conclusion, imitating the life and character of Jesus is a vital part of discipleship. By following in His footsteps and seeking guidance through the communion between our spirit and the Holy Spirit, we can take part in the great commission. "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20a). Through prayer, community, and action, disciples can effectively continue the work of Jesus in the world today.

P.S. All the women affiliated with Disciple Daily decided to leave me in the dust tonight. I had to be the only girl during His time this week. It was very sad. Ladies,  if at all possible, please return quickly so that I can get away from all this testosterone!