Unfortunately, in our desire to see non-believers come to the Lord, we have tended to water down the New Testament message to such an extent that there is little difference between the beliefs and practices of many Christians and good living people in the general community. We make it so easy to become a Christian. Believe ‘this’ and ‘that’ and you will be ’saved’. The emphasis is on the benefits rather than the accompanying responsibilities, or life changes the decision requires.

The more I read the New Testament, the more convinced I become that this approach holds back, rather than grows the kingdom of God. ‘Easy Christianity’ may be easy, but it is neither biblical nor effective.

The followers, the disciples, of rabbis in the time of Jesus, imitated their chosen rabbi in all that he did. They did not want to be out of his sight, in case they missed something. Each disciple desired to learn all that his rabbi knew, to become like him in every way. It was a total commitment!

Of course, as we see with Jesus disciples, they did not always succeed, but with the exception of Judas, who was otherwise influenced, all tried their best. So much so, that 10 of the remaining 11 were subsequently martyred for their actions! And John didn’t have it too easy either, on the island prison of Patmos! Yes, their beliefs were reflected in their actions, right through to the human finality of martyrdom.

There is an old English song that goes, “Give me 10 men who are stout-hearted men and I’ll soon give you 10,000 more.” This is simply an extension of a basic biblical principle to the world.

The purpose of the church is not simply to attract people through the door. But further, to encourage and assist those who enter the doorway of salvation to become disciples of the Lord, become as much like Him in character as it is possible to be, within our human limitations.

As we change our focus from numbers to discipleship, greater numbers will finally be attracted. It may not seem that way initially, but finally, outsiders will see the positive difference Jesus makes in our lives. This is the application of the principle of the ’stout-hearted men’ the song refers to.

We need to be seen to be different to the world! Some will be attracted; others repelled! But that is how it has always been! Time and again persecution has increased the spread of the kingdom, for the persecuted exhibit a point of difference, a commitment, display a reality of Jesus in their lives that attracts others to the faith. Today’s classic example is China where the church is growing powerfully, of necessity, in an underground fashion. It has no buildings, no programmes, but simply but simply exhibits the love of Jesus, one to another.

The church in general, although strong in overall congregational activities such as worship and preaching the Word, has been weak in mentoring its followers. One on one, in small groups, encouraging believers to discipleship, to develop the character of Jesus in individual lives in order that we might become the light of the world! That we might be different to those around us! To put our beliefs into action! To truly apply our will, our actions, our life, to the cause of Jesus, becoming His disciples. It’s not easy! It’s not popular! It’s time consuming and rejection will be experienced on occasions! But it is necessary so that, “Where there’s a (submissive) will (to Jesus), there’s a Disciple”!

“But surely numbers are all important, David?”

“No. Not even when it helps the giving! For it is disciples who change the world”

Written by PGIM
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