Deserter or Disciple?
Reflecting on Oswald Chambers’ Wisdom for today
Key Verse:
“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” – John 6:66
Walking in the Light of the Vision
When God reveals His will to us—through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or His transformative work in our lives—it sparks a thrill in our souls. This revelation calls us to walk in the light of what we’ve seen. Yet, as Oswald Chambers highlights, there’s a critical juncture where we decide whether we will obediently follow that heavenly vision or retreat into the comfort of our former ways of thinking and living.
God’s vision for each of us is personal and specific. It is not ours to compare with someone else’s calling or measure their obedience. We are called to follow Him in light of the unique truth He has revealed to us. This requires discernment, humility, and a deep commitment to trust Him, even when it clashes with our personal desires or cultural norms.
Obedience or Alien Perspectives?
Chambers warns that failing to follow God’s vision can lead to servitude to worldly mindsets—views that are foreign to Christ’s teaching. These include ideas of personal rights, entitlement, and greed. Jesus warned His followers against such perspectives:
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).
Jesus lived with a mindset entirely opposite to self-centered entitlement. He consistently emptied Himself, walking in humility and obedience to the Father. When our mindset conflicts with the heavenly vision, we must let go of those thoughts immediately. Debating with God or holding on to our preferences will only distance us from Him.
A Turning Point: Disciple or Deserter?
Every time God unveils a truth to us, it marks a turning point in our spiritual journey. Will we submit to the truth and grow as a disciple of Christ, or will we retreat, becoming a deserter? Chambers points out that backsliding begins when our conscience fails to respond to the truth God reveals.
If we choose to follow Him, the path leads to deeper intimacy, greater joy, and fruitful obedience. If we turn away, we risk stagnating spiritually or being swept into perspectives and priorities that conflict with the Lord’s will.
Relating to Our Walk Today
How often do we find ourselves tempted to compare our calling with others? Perhaps we think, Why is their path easier? Why can’t I have what they have? This attitude not only distracts us but also dishonors the unique way God is working in our lives. Our journey is between us and God, and our calling is to trust and obey Him.
Similarly, how often do we cling to mindsets or habits that Jesus calls us to surrender? Chambers reminds us that holding onto such things hinders our ability to walk in the fullness of what God has for us.
Reflect & Respond
Has God revealed a truth to you that you’ve resisted following? What is holding you back?
Are there worldly mindsets or attitudes—such as entitlement or comparison—that you need to surrender to walk more fully in obedience?
How can you refocus on your unique calling instead of comparing your journey to others?
A Prayer of Dependence
“Lord, thank You for Your gracious revelation in my life. I confess the times I’ve resisted Your truth and held onto mindsets that are not from You. May my heart remain sensitive to Your Spirit, responding with obedience and trust. I rest in the confidence that You have provided all I need to walk in the light of the vision You’ve given me. Thank You for the joy and peace that come from following You fully. Amen.”
Final Thought
Every truth God reveals calls us to a deeper step of faith. The choice before us is simple: will we continue as disciples, or will we turn away as deserters? Let us resolve to follow Christ wholeheartedly, trusting in His grace and power to guide us in the light of His truth.