Are You a Disciple or Just a Christian?

Are you a Disciple of Jesus? Or are you just a Christian? Do you believe in him, or do you just know about him? How do you think Jesus feels about you?

His commandment to his disciples was to keep his commandment — that you love one another, unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as he loved you. He goes on to say that no one has a greater love or stronger commitment than to lay down his own life for his friends. Then he tells them: “You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you.”

Do you have friends or acquaintances? Know how to tell the difference? The first one you’d take a bullet for.

I was a paramedic for over 20 years, worked in many places and with many partners. I never climbed into that unit with anyone who wasn’t my friend and family. There was never a second’s thought about who my priority was when those lights and sirens came on. I haven’t climbed into a unit in 25 years, but I’d still take that bullet for any one of them. That’s not heroism or even bravery or courage. That’s love.

Jesus called his disciples “friend” and literally died for them. He calls me that also. It’s the same word he uses for you — “if you keep his commandments.”

Having a friend is a very special thing. I cherish each and every one. My daddy often said, “They may not be my friend, but I will always be theirs.” That’s an awesome philosophy for life and it’s how I learned to navigate mine.

The commandment is to love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.

Remember Toy Story? “You’ve got a friend in me. You’ve got a friend in me. When the road looks rough ahead and you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed…”

Love, Pam