The Attributes Of A Disciple

Being a disciple of Jesus is more than just a label or a title. It's a way of life that requires certain attributes. A disciple is a student, a follower, and an imitator of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called to live our lives in a way that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus. So what are the attributes of a disciple?

The first attribute of a disciple is obedience.
In John 14:15, Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands." A disciple of Jesus is one who not only believes in Him but also follows His teachings. Obedience is an act of love for Christ. It means submitting our will to His will and trusting that He knows what is best for us.

The second attribute of a disciple is humility.
In Matthew 18:4, Jesus said, "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." A disciple of Jesus is one who recognizes their need for God and is not afraid to admit their weaknesses. They are not self-righteous or arrogant, but rather they are meek and lowly in heart.

The third attribute of a disciple is love.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." A disciple of Jesus is one who loves God and loves others. They show kindness, compassion, and mercy to everyone they encounter.

The fourth attribute of a disciple is faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it says, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." A disciple of Jesus is one who is faithful to their calling and their commitment to follow Christ. They remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with challenges or persecution.

The fifth attribute of a disciple is prayerfulness.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says, "Pray without ceasing." A disciple of Jesus is one who is devoted to prayer. They have a constant dialogue with God and seek His guidance in every aspect of their life. They know that prayer is not just a ritual or a duty, but a powerful tool that connects them with God.

The sixth attribute of a disciple is teachability.
In Proverbs 12:1, it says, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." A disciple of Jesus is one who is open to learning and growing in their faith. They are willing to receive instruction and correction from others, and they are always seeking to deepen their understanding of God's word.

The seventh attribute of a disciple is selflessness.
In Philippians 2:3, it says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." A disciple of Jesus is one who puts others before themselves. They are willing to sacrifice their own desires and needs for the sake of others, just as Jesus did.

In conclusion,
being a disciple of Jesus requires us to have certain attributes. Obedience, humility, love, faithfulness, prayerfulness, teachability, and selflessness are just a few of the qualities that we need to cultivate in our lives. As we strive to develop these attributes, we will become more like Jesus and reflect His character to the world around us.