FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
Becoming a Compelling Disciple
What does it mean to be a compelling disciple of Jesus?
Honestly, I’m not sure it’s something most of us think about. I know I don’t.
We talk about being a good Christian.
We want to be faithful Christians.
We want to grow in our faith.
But compelling?
Maybe that’s worth thinking about.
And just to be clear, I’m not talking about becoming an impressive Christian. This isn’t about knowing more Bible verses than everyone else, having all the answers, writing the perfect blog, or making sure people notice how spiritual we are.
In fact, I think a compelling disciple may be someone who increasingly makes Jesus compelling to the people around them. As Pastor Pete shared with us at Forge regarding Ephesians 5:15–21, Paul gives us quite a bit to wrestle with: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise.”
That’s a straightforward challenge.
In other words, pay attention to your life. Don’t just drift.
I think that’s where self-examination comes in. Every now and then, we probably need to stop and ask ourselves some honest questions…
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
Do the people closest to me see Jesus in the way I live?
How do I respond when things don’t go my way?
What about the way I speak to people?
Those aren’t always comfortable questions. But discipleship should involve some honest reflection. If we are following Jesus, we ought to be changing.
Paul goes on to talk about being filled with the Spirit, encouraging one another, giving thanks, and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
There’s that word…the one we love to hate…submitting.
Submitting doesn’t come naturally to most of us.
We like having our way.
We like being right.
We like being recognized.
We like being in control.
But then we look at Jesus…
He humbled Himself. He served others. He put others ahead of Himself.
Maybe that’s what makes a disciple compelling…
Not perfection, but humility.
Not having all the answers but having wisdom.
Not demanding our own way but having a willingness to serve.
People notice those things.
They notice genuine kindness. They notice humility. They notice when someone is willing to listen instead of always needing to speak. And perhaps they especially notice when someone responds differently than the world expects.
A compelling disciple isn’t trying to make people say, “Wow, what an impressive Christian.” Instead, the goal is much simpler…that somehow, through the way we live, speak, serve, forgive, and love, people catch a glimpse of Jesus.
And maybe that’s something every one of us should strive for. Not to become more impressive, but to become more like Him.
Because the most compelling disciples are often the ones who make Jesus impossible to miss.
Joe Bouch
