Pastor's Desk

This page was last updated: March 1, 2010

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

S. Lee Downing, M. Div.

Are You A Member or A Disciple?

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”  Luke 14:26-27 (NKJV)

Okay, let me put it right out there.  Are you content being a church member or are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?  In my mind there is a difference (and in reality there should not be).  First and foremost, there must be a personal profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ before membership in any church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  After then, each church has its own process for member intake and orientation.  From there, many find their niche in the church where they get involved in the life of the church, OR NOT.  Far too many are content with attending Sunday worship services, be it regularly or infrequently, and there is little involvement in the ministries of the church beyond that.  There are others however who realize that God is calling each of us to total commitment and intimate relationship with Him.  That is the true essence of discipleship.  Jesus was very candid about the type of heart and commitment required to be His disciple. 

First we are called to follow Him through personal relationship and by keeping His commandments.   That means we must study His word, seek Him through prayer, and fellowship with other Christians.  As we present ourselves to God daily, our minds are renewed and we are transformed by His power to be His witnesses (Romans 12:1-2).  Secondly, our love for the Lord must be greater than our love for anyone or anything else.  In fact, our love for God should be so great and so strong that our love for all else should seem like hate in comparison.  Yes even for the ones that are dearest to our hearts.  We also must realize that there is a cost associated with following Christ.  We are to take up our cross daily and follow Him.  We must be willing to endure suffering, hardships, rejection, heartache, and the pain because we have taken an uncompromising stand for Christ.  It should always be for the gospel’s sake, because we serve and follow Christ faithfully, not because of our misdeeds.  The Lord is still saying to each of us who desire to hear Him say well done, thou good and faithful servant, we must count the cost.  Salvation is free, but it costs to be a disciple.  Are you a church member, or are you a disciple.

Because He Lives,

S. Lee Downing

Pastor