Becoming a Disciple of Christ Luke 10 - 14

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

“A disciple of Christ is one who is learning to be like Chirst-learning to think, to feel, and to act as he does. To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to man.” Dr. Chauncey Riddle, a professor of philosophy and dean of the Graduate School, shared what a disciple is. In Luke 10 – 14, we learn more of what is required of us to become a disciple of Christ. We can find the following attributes throughout Luke 10 - 14 as we strive to become a disciple of Christ.

Prayerful ~ 11:1
Trusting ~ 11:2
Submissive ~ 11:2
Repentant ~ 11:4
Charitable ~ 11:8
Friendly ~ 11:8
Not Covetousness ~ 12:15
Modest ~ 12:21
Healthy ~ 12:23
Confident ~ 12:22
Faithful ~ 12:28
Not doubting ~ 12:29
Seek the Kingdom of God ~ 12:31
Fearless ~ 12:32
Serve ~ 12:37
Watchful ~ 12:37
Diligent ~ 13:24
Striving to enter the Kingdom of God ~ 13:24
Duty to God ~ 14:26
Loving ~ 14:26
Committed ~ 14:28
Dedication ~ 14:28
Obedience ~ 14:28

In Luke 14:28, the Lord uses the phrase “counteth the cost” in referring to discipleship. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” When I read these verses, I didn’t understand the phrase “counteth the cost”, but after reading it over and over, I have come to my own conclusion regarding this phrase. When we are preparing to make an investment or make a big purchase, you figure out how much it will cost you to make that purchase. You may cut coupons, you may prepare by comparing prices at many different stores, and you may also time it perfectly so that you will catch the best sale. In becoming a disciple of Christ, you must choose to be a disciple of Christ, no matter the cost. There will be many obstacles in the way of becoming a disciple of Christ, but you must always strive to be a disciple.

In Luke 12:29, it says “…neither be ye of doubtful mind.” I would like to work on my discipleship by being less doubtful. It is so easy to doubt yourself, those around you and sometimes even the Lord. As I have made decisions, I continually second guess the decision that I have made even if I have received confirmation of my choice through prayer, scriptures, and the Holy Ghost. Doubting in my life creates so many worries that are not necessary. There is a quote that I have written and taped to my wall that says “Most of the things you worry about will NEVER happen”. It’s true, we are all filled with worries and doubts that consume our thoughts, but as we trust in the Lord and have faith in the Lord and faith in our ability to receive personal revelation, then I know that we will indeed be blessed with peace in our lives. The turmoil that doubt brings to our lives will be replaced by the feeling of peace as we strive to remove doubt from our minds. Mormon 9:27 says “O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.” I would love to doubt not, and be believing as it says in Mormon 9:27.

Through the scriptures in Luke 10 – 14 and the additional scriptures in Luke 14:33; Omni 1:26; Mosiah 2:34; and Matthew 13:44–46, we learn what is ultimately required to be a disciple of Christ. Omni 1:26 says “come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved”. To become a disciple of Christ, we must be willing to give all that we have and all that we are to the Lord.