Parallel Faith: Being a Disciple of Jesusናሙና

Day 1 | Following Jesus With Purpose

God’s purpose for the church is that we would go into all the world and make disciples. This was the last command of Jesus. But if we are honest, some of us aren’t even sure what a disciple really is. Over the next few days, we are going to explore what it means to be a disciple in order that we might learn with, love like, live for, and look like Jesus.

This starts with being present right where you are. There are many illustrative verses in Scripture that encourage us not to be isolated, abstracted, or excluded from the world in order to make an impact.

First, we are like light. God does not intend for us to be hidden, tucked away, or distant. In fact, we consider it a malfunction of purpose to not let our lights shine. For us not to be visible to those around us would be both an abdication of responsibility and a dimming of our destiny. Yes, Jesus is the light of the world, but God’s plan is to put that light inside a community of people who will then reveal it to others.

Second, we are like salt. In the Bible, salt is used as an analogy to show that Christians can add value and flavor to the world around them. This is not because we are better than anyone else, but because we have Jesus with us. Yet the verse also comes with a warning not to lose that sense of saltiness, namely the integrity of who we are. As we live in proximity with those around us, it is vital we stay close to Christ and keep him as our way, truth, and life.

Third, God’s kingdom is like yeast. The Bible uses yeast as an illustration, referring to how something small and seemingly insignificant can highly influence an environment when it is embedded in it. You can’t be an influencer if you live your life at arms-length. Jesus had the biggest open-door policy of anyone you will ever meet. He was like yeast; he infiltrated everywhere!

The word parallel comes from the Greek word parallēlos—which consists of para-, meaning “alongside,” and allēlos, meaning “one another.” It is a helpful word to help us consider what we’re aligning our lives with. Only when we begin to walk parallel with Jesus and with one another, can we not only become disciples but also start to make disciples and find a lasting sense of fulfillment and meaning.