Discipleship or Followership
Over two decades ago, I developed and taught a university course called “How to Build an Online Community.” It was the university’s first completely online course and could be taken anywhere. I was ahead of time with this course. It seemed to me that humans were on the cusp of technology redefining “community.” Three years after I taught that course, “Myspace was launched” in 2003; it allowed users to create profiles, connect with friends, share music, and interact through messages, comments, and blogs. Sound familiar? It was one of the first social media platforms to gain massive popularity and significantly influenced how people interacted online.
Facebook launched in 2004. Initially, it was called "TheFacebook" and was limited to Harvard students. It later expanded to other universities and eventually became available to the public in 2006.
Around a decade ago, social media surged, making "followership" an essential part of our lives. Celebrities, Christian leaders, and self-help experts have gained our attention on these platforms. With social media, you can be a follower of 100’s of people. Jesus had hundreds of followers, many of whom were disciples, but what separates a follower from a disciple? The main difference is summed up in one word: Relationship.
In many scriptures, God used the vine to illustrate Israel and, later, the church. Jesus used the vine to illustrate His relationship with His people. For example, in John 15:1-6 Jesus talks about Himself as the true vine, His Father as the gardener, and His followers as the branches. Here's the essence: branches that bear no fruit are pruned, and those that do bear fruit are trimmed to be even more fruitful. Unfruitful branches are eventually cut off and thrown into the fire. This metaphor in John 15 speaks to the importance of staying spiritually connected through our relationship with Jesus. So, following Jesus is not about following a religion; it is about following Jesus close to him and having a relationship with him.
When we abide in Him like branches abide in a vine, we will bear good fruit in our lives. Good fruit isn’t materialistic blessings but evidence of character transformation, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to become more like Christ. To be a disciple of Christ requires us to be in a relationship with Him. Additionally, we are to be discipled by a mentor or friend; this is crucial to our spiritual growth; this close, intimate relationship provides us with support, guidance, and a sense of community. When in a discipleship-based relationship with a trusted mentor, we can address blind spots. While following Christian leaders on social media can provide valuable information, it lacks the personal connection needed for true growth. Engaging in honest relationships with mentors allows for guidance and the revelation of areas needing improvement, leading to genuine, lasting fruit in one’s life.
Discipleship means living life together. In the Gospels, the disciples shared all parts of life with Christ, and we should do the same with Jesus and each other. Let's stay connected to Him and to one another so that we can all produce lasting fruit!
ACTION POINT - Learning is an ongoing process; therefore, we must always have someone to disciple us. Is there someone in your life right now discipling you? If not, think about who you can reach out to so you can begin the discipleship process.
PRAYER - Lord, thank You for giving me knowledge and wisdom. Just as David asked You to check his heart for anything wrong, I ask You to check my heart, too. Please surround me with good people who can inspire and guide me, showing me the truth in love through Your grace. Help me to produce lasting fruit that is pleasing to You. Amen.
