The character of a disciple

(Php 2:22)NKJV But ye know his proven character, that as a son with [his] father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 

The success of discipleship endeavours are all hinged on character. If it's a building, then character is like the main pillar for the building to stand. As one under discipleship, you are going nowhere without a good character however gifted you may be. No one likes to disciple, mentor or apprentice anyone who has character flaws. Such cannot take long in a discipling relationship. 

To change your character, accept correction, rebukes, and instruction in those areas where you are weak from your discipler. And I am sure Timothy got a good dose of them from Paul. If the character is good, your gift will be enjoyed by many without offending them. 

A good character shapes you into a true son in the faith. Sons take on the character of their fathers. Sons are different from mere church attendees. They are the real disciples. They are always distinct from the rest and they know it. Even their discipler knows then and calls them so. Jesus had huge crowds following Him, but He always called his disciples as disciples and crowds as multitudes. The church is full of crowds, but few disciples. Although disciples too are not perfect, but they are named so and identified from the rest since they had a unique relationship with their discipler that challenged their character.

Peter for instance was rebuked by the Lord strongly for saying that Jesus should not be crucified. Surprisingly he did not take offense and leave. If he was a mere pard of Jesus's crowd, he would simply say, "I did not enter this thing to be treated like this. I deserve my dignity," etc. He would have quit right there. But he stayed proving that he was ready to be confronted where necessary. 

The challenge with the disciplers nowadays is they also love so much their disciples and only say nice words without confronting their bad character. They need to balance the challenge and love pedals of the same bicycle for it to move well. Love without rebukes to shape your character is hatred.

The discipling relationship will test your true character and challenge it for the better. Tough words from your discipler will shape you for the better. Are you ready for your character to be tested and tried and yet not abandon the discipling relationship but stay on until you take on your discipler's character? 

Further scriptures 

Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Proverbs 27:5-6 Open rebuke [is] better than secret love. Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.




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