Devoted Disciple
📖 “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:3
The Cross cost God everything. He gave His Son, sparing nothing, so that we might have life. That same Cross calls us to lay down all that we are—our ambitions, comforts, and self-driven pursuits—so that His life might be revealed in us and poured out for others. “For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:11-12).
To live as a devoted disciple is to recognize that there is no middle ground. Either Christ is our all, or we are clinging to something else. T. Austin-Sparks writes, “If we are going to be used of God in this utter way, it is going to bring us to the point where we have nothing left to fall back upon… It is simply a matter of God, and God only!”
Consider a mountain climber scaling a sheer rock face. At a certain height, holding on to anything but the rock itself means certain failure. A rope, a foothold—anything not anchored in the rock will give way. The higher the ascent, the more absolute the reliance. So it is with our devotion to Christ. We must loosen our grip on all that is not Him, for anything we trust apart from Him will ultimately prove unreliable.
Many long to be used by God, but distraction keeps them earthbound. J.N. Darby observed, “There are those who would be more useful in the Lord’s work if only they were more devoted.” Fullness of life in Christ is not merely found in acknowledging truth but in yielding entirely to Him. This does not mean striving in human effort but recognizing that His life in us is the only true source of spiritual fruit. As we relinquish our alternatives—our second plans, our fallback options—His life flows unhindered. “They loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:11).
Reflection
What are you tempted to hold on to instead of resting fully in Christ?
How does the truth of being delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake challenge your understanding of daily discipleship?
What distractions might be keeping you from being wholly available for God’s purposes?
Prayer
Father, we acknowledge that Your life in us is our only true sufficiency. You have called us to surrender all that competes with Your purpose. We stand in the confidence that You have already given us all we need to live as devoted disciples. Thank You that in letting go, we find the fullness of Your life flowing through us. May our every step be anchored in You, our Rock, without hesitation or retreat. We trust You to live through us today. Amen.
đź“· Photo Credit: Unsplash
đź“– Devotional Source: Abide Above