When we become Christians, we naturally want to become closer to Jesus and become more like Him. God draws us to Himself, and we want to respond. What’s next? How does this happen in my life? Let’s take a look at the path to becoming a disciple of Jesus, examine where we are on this path, and see what comes next:
Hear
This is the first step. In order to hear we need to read God’s word and pray. We can start doing this anytime and we need to do this regularly. If we have strayed from doing this, the good news is we can pick it up again anytime. God will be right there to meet us. If the God of the universe who created and loves us wants to speak to us, then why are we not doing this more? I’m asking myself this as much as I’m asking you this question. Let’s all do this more! Both by ourselves, and with other believers. Acts 2:42 – All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the sharing of meals (including the Lord’s supper), and to prayer.
Receive
When we read and pray, then we need to receive what God is saying to us as the truth. This is not just a good idea or a suggestion, but we need to know that what we are hearing is the truth and understand it. Colossians 1:23a – But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.
Accept
Learning the truth will change us when we accept it and internalize what we hear. Accepting the truth means we are removing lies and all the things that compete with the truth we heard through God’s word and prayer. This is when we become God’s children, and when we can really start the process of being changed. John 1:12 – But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
Heal
This is where the truth really takes hold and starts producing fruit. After we accept the truth, we start to see a slow, then steady, then radical change where our broken lives are healed. Our thought patterns are straightened out, our bad habits are replaced with good habits, and we have healing through the truth of Jesus in our hearts, minds, and bodies. John 8:32 – Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Transform
When we start the healing process in all the different areas of our lives, it will continue until we are transformed into a different person. We will notice it. Others will notice it. We will be ‘Transformed by the renewing of our minds’ (Romans 12:2).
Overflow
After we are healed and filled up, then we will overflow into the lives of others with truth, healing and love so they too will be changed by Jesus. Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is the process of discipleship, or becoming more like Jesus. If you are a disciple, then you are different than you used to be. If you are not different after following Jesus, then something is not right. Are you stuck on any one of these steps? If so, then take some time and pray about it specifically, and ask God to show you in His word what you need to see so you can breakthrough and become more like Jesus.
Jesus desires that you be like Him!
Do you need healing? Do you need to be transformed? Ask Him how, and He will show you! This process really describes the internal change we go through that will lead to changed lives and actions. We can then become healed healers who bring the light of Jesus into a dark world. Embrace the process, humble yourself and submit to Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and guide you every step of the way.
God bless!
