Disciples of Christ
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Jesus came to Earth as a light, breaking the pattern of darkness in this world. We are disciples of Christ and a light in this world, and we will not be overcome by darkness. Every Christian is guided by the Spirit to be a light in this world and will be victorious in Christ. We are called to be light in this world to those living in darkness.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14) This life is brief in comparison to eternal life; therefore, Christians live this life for eternal life in Heaven. Disciples of Christ minister in this world with hearts looking into eternity.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) Christians have hearts that desire to deny self and live for Christ. With our love for the Lord, we are willing endure our crosses for the blessings of following our Lord and Savior. When a disciple denies self, he/she lives with a heart that lives in the light, and everything they pray, think, and do is for God’s glory.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) The heart of a disciple of Christ is driven to no longer live in darkness but to live in the light for Christ. Christ, living in us through the Holy Spirit, gives us divine love, power, and wisdom to be disciple of Christ.
If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) Our love for the Lord is so strong, our love for family is considered to be hate. This love we have for the Lord is increasing daily and drives us to be a disciple of Christ and to bear whatever cross the world brings to us.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) Disciples in Christ live in the freedom from Christ, because they live for Christ and for others. A disciple cannot live focused on self, they depend on the Lord for enabling them to take care of self, but their focus is being a light to the world through the guidance of Christ.
Today be a disciple of Christ bringing the light of Christ to take away the darkness in people’s hearts. Let Christ live in you and reveal his love, power, and wisdom to world.