Being a Disciple

I have been following a discussion over on worship forum.com on what it means to be a disciple. A great point was made that being a "disciple" of Jesus could be compared to being an "apprentice".

I thought that was a great example, but it also make me think about a relationship between a parent and a child. When you were little how many times did you watch the things your parent did. I know I learned a lot of things from my dad and it came about by watching him over the years, seeing how he did things, how he reacted in situations, him telling me how to handle and conduct myself. Most of these things I learned when I was younger, although I still learn from both my parents today.

I think, in trying to be a disciple in my life, I believe I have missed the point. I have read and re-read many parts of the bible, but I don't believe I was careful enough in my study. I have not really tried to emulate Jesus in my life like I should. I haven't followed his every recorded step. I haven't sat at his feet and listened to his stories and thought about his tone, his manner. I haven't paid enough attention to how he dealt with a variety of situations and issues, such as conflict, service, anger, punishment, etc.

I want to be like him in every way, although I know I never will be fully like him. I want to be his apprentice, to hang on his every word, to know that if I want to be like him then I must really get to know him. I want to have the same manner, the same compassion. I want to be Christ-like.

We all need to strive to be more like him. There is much that can still be learned, as we strive to be disciples of the one who gave everything for/to us.

Have a good weekend