Someone asked about a definition of discipleship at the convention which I thought was a bit strange. Those who trust in Christ as Savior and follow Him are of course disciples and that is a start. Sheep who know the voice of the shepherd and follow Him is another. Those who confess with their mouth and believe in their hearts that Jesus is Lord with all that means in the great context of Life is another. Those who live the “Te Deum” might be another but then we have to get into the mystery of discipleship as being grasped and held onto by the Holy Spirit.
It would be nice to use the old saw that “I can’t define a disciple but I know one when I see one” but that doesn’t work either. Their is a public speaking reality about a disciple that has to come to play. Seeing thousands of people stand up and confess to another and to God their sinfulness is an impressive witness. There is a certain call to action that is in the question too. To watch someone after a long day of meetings run over to a hospital in a rain storm to visit one of the conventioneers who was taken ill is a sign as well. Caring for the sick and honoring all the brothers and rejoicing in the Spirit is a part of it too.
Someone should write a book about it.
In the meantime I saw one of my old friends who has been a disciple for a long time – James McDaniels. This was treat.
