Performing for Jesus… or Participating in His Life?
Discipleship isn’t me proving I can follow—it’s walking with the One who already lives in me.
A Conversation About Discipleship, Pressure, and the Power of Union With Christ
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” – Matthew 11:28–29
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20
A Conversation After a Leadership Retreat
Tyler:
They said discipleship means dying to yourself, denying comfort, stepping up no matter how hard it gets. And honestly? I want to follow Jesus with everything I’ve got… but I keep falling short. I feel like I’m supposed to keep pushing harder—but I’m getting tired.
Me:
I remember when I thought discipleship meant spiritual performance, too. I believed if I could just be more committed, more surrendered, more obedient, then maybe I’d be a “true” disciple. But then I learned: Jesus isn’t looking for performers. He’s inviting participants. Discipleship isn’t about trying harder—it’s about walking with the One who lives in you.
Tyler’s View: A Disciple Must Prove He’s All In
Tyler flips through his notes. “But isn’t there a cost to discipleship? Jesus said in Luke 14, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own life… he cannot be My disciple.’ And didn’t He say, ‘Take up your cross daily’? That sounds like sacrifice to me.”
He flips to:
Matthew 10:38 – “Whoever does not take his cross… is not worthy of Me.”
John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know you are My disciples…”
Luke 9:23 – “Deny yourself and follow Me…”
Tyler looks up. “Isn’t discipleship supposed to cost me everything?”
My Response: The Cost Is Real—But the Life Isn’t Yours to Live Alone
“You’re right—the call of discipleship is total,” I say. “But here’s the key: it’s not about you living a sacrificial life for Christ. It’s about Christ living His life through you.”
I turn to Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
“Yes, discipleship costs your independent self-life. But in exchange, you receive His life. You’re not alone in the journey. The very One who called you to follow Him is also the One who empowers your every step.”
Performance vs. Participation: The Weight We Weren’t Meant to Carry
Tyler leans back. “So you’re saying the Christian life isn’t about me proving I’m a disciple?”
“Nope,” I smile. “It’s about letting the Disciple—Jesus—live in you. He’s the obedient One. The faithful One. The surrendered One. And through your union with Him, you participate in what He’s already doing.”
I add, “John 15 is the perfect picture: ‘Abide in Me… and you will bear much fruit.’ He didn’t say strive. He said remain. That’s not passive—it’s deeply dependent.”
A Grace-Oriented Appeal
If you’ve been living like discipleship is a test you have to pass, pause.
You were never called to prove your devotion.
You were invited to participate in His.
Yes, there’s a cross to carry—but your hands aren’t alone on the beam.
Yes, there’s a race to run—but it’s Christ in you who runs with endurance.
So today, stop asking, “Am I doing enough to be His disciple?”
Instead, whisper, “Jesus, I trust You to live Your life in and through me.”
That’s not spiritual slacking.
That’s what abiding looks like.
Photo Credit: Image sourced from Unsplash.com