Discovering True Discipleship: A Journey of Surrender and Identity

Gary Bush March 3, 2025

In a world constantly vying for our attention and allegiance, the call to discipleship stands as a beacon of purpose and transformation. But what does it truly mean to be a disciple, and why should we prioritize this path in our lives?

At its core, discipleship is about believing in the ideas and principles of someone and striving to live as they did. For Christians, this means following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It’s not merely an intellectual journey to a set of beliefs, but a wholehearted commitment to embody those beliefs in our daily lives.

The journey of discipleship begins with a profound invitation from Jesus Himself, as recorded in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” These words, spoken in the context of Jesus’ impending crucifixion, carry weight and challenge. They call us to a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

But what does it mean to deny oneself? It’s not about occasional self-denial or giving up small pleasures. Rather, it’s a complete surrender of our will to God’s. As Warren Wiersbe aptly put it, “Denying self is not the same as self-denial. We practice self-denial when, for a good purpose, we occasionally give up things or activities. But we deny self when we surrender ourselves to Christ and determine to obey His will.”

This surrender is rooted in the recognition of Jesus’ authority, as proclaimed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, and He, in turn, commissions us to make disciples of all nations. This calling is not just for a select few but for every follower of Christ. We are to baptize new believers and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded, with the assurance that He is with us always.

Taking up our cross goes beyond mere suffering or hardship. It’s about identifying with Christ in such a way that our lives become a reflection of His. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in 2 Corinthians 5, reminding us that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. We are reconciled to God through Christ and given the ministry of reconciliation. As Christ’s ambassadors, we carry His message to the world, imploring others to be reconciled to God.

This new identity in Christ leads to multiplication. When we truly understand who we are in Him, it naturally overflows into sharing the gospel with others. Our lives become living testimonies of God’s transforming power, drawing others to Him.

Following Christ is not always easy. It may involve persecution, suffering, and challenges. But as we identify with Christ, we find that He uses even our struggles to shape us and equip us to minister to others. Our experiences, both joyful and painful, become avenues through which God’s love and comfort can flow to those around us.

The call to discipleship simplifies our life’s purpose. We are created in God’s image, for His glory. Our role is to faithfully and obediently follow Him, reflecting His nature to the world. As Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

In a world that constantly tries to define our identity through possessions, achievements, or relationships, we must remember that our true identity is rooted in Christ alone. When we find our identity in Him, it leads to a life of purpose, service, and ultimately, to God’s glory.

So how do we practically live out this call to discipleship? It starts with surrender – acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than ours and submitting to His will, even when it’s difficult. It involves taking up our cross daily, choosing to identify with Christ in every aspect of our lives. And it means following Him wholeheartedly, allowing His Word and Spirit to guide our steps.

As we embark on this journey of discipleship, we can take comfort in the promise found in 2 Peter 1:3-4: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

God has equipped us with everything we need to live a life of godliness. Our role is to trust Him, seek His guidance, and faithfully follow where He leads. Instead of asking God to bless our plans, we should surrender our plans to Him and ask for His direction.

The call to discipleship is a call to a higher purpose. It’s an invitation to step out of our comfort zones and into a life of adventure with God. It’s about denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Jesus with all that we are.

As we reflect on this message, let’s ask ourselves: Where in our lives do we need to surrender more fully to God? How can we better identify with Christ in our daily interactions? Who has God placed in our path to share the gospel with?

May we never lose our hunger for more of Jesus. May our hearts burn with a desire to know Him more deeply, follow Him more closely, and make Him known more widely. Let today be the day we recommit ourselves to the journey of true discipleship, finding our identity in Christ and allowing His love to overflow through us to a world in need.