Are you a disciple? How you can tell

"If you hold on to my teaching, you are really my disciples." - John 8:31 (NIV)

This is the definition of a disciple of Jesus Christ: "One who holds on to His teaching."

I have learnt a lot from the verse above. A disciple of Jesus follows Jesus. Jesus is their Lord, in every respect and in every aspect of their life.

First, the disciple learns from the Lord. Then he holds on to the teaching received.

If one does not have the teaching, how could they hold on to it? People can't hold on to something that they do not have. This is why it's important for believers to study the Word and not just wait for Sunday!

Now we can all judge ourselves.

What does Jesus teach us? How would He have us behave under the various situations of our lives? How well are we doing as disciples? Are we truly holding on to His teaching?

Note this: "holding on" shows that something wants to take you from the teachings, to lead you into acting contrary to the teaching that you've received. It could be the challenges of life. It could be a need or threat. It could be people and their will over your life. Or it could plainly be your own weaknesses.

In my Christian life, I have interacted with several Christians who make compromises; serious compromises in some instances. Such people hold on to the Lord's teaching only when it is convenient to them.

I have seen relatives prevailing over believers, putting them back into bondage. I have seen people try "other options" when they face challenges. They know what the Lord expects of them, but they still go on with such conduct. That's the opposite of "holding on."

"He who belongs to God hears what God says." - John 8:47 (NIV)


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About the writer: Phanuel Muverengwi is a Christian author based in Harare. Click here to download his free e-book onto your device (mobile phone, laptop, desktop, etc.)