There is a massive difference between a fan and a follower. A fan sits in the stands, wears the jersey, and cheers when things go well. A follower is on the field, taking the hits, running the plays, and sweating for the victory.
In modern Christianity, it’s easy to be a fan of Jesus. We like His teachings on love, we appreciate the promise of salvation, and we enjoy the community. But Jesus never called us to be fans. He didn't ask for admirers. He called for disciples.
If you call yourself a Christian man, you need to understand that discipleship isn't a passive status—it's an active, daily grind. It’s not about what you know; it’s about where you’re going and who you’re following to get there.
The Root of the Word: Learner and Disciplined
To understand what it means to be a disciple, look at the word itself. "Disciple" comes from the Latin root discere, which means "to learn." But it shares its DNA with another word that most men have a love-hate relationship with: Discipline.
You cannot be a disciple without discipline.
In the ancient world, a disciple (Greek: mathētēs) wasn't just a student who sat in a lecture hall taking notes. A disciple was an apprentice. He lived with his master, ate with his master, and mimicked his master’s every move until he became like him.
For us today, this means discipleship is not just agreeing with Jesus intellectually. It means actively disciplining your life—your habits, your speech, your finances, your marriage—to look like His.
Active Following: The Call to Move
Jesus was never vague about what He required. In Luke 9:23, He lays out the manifesto for anyone who wants to claim the title of disciple:
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Notice the verbs. They are all actions.
1. Deny Yourself
This is the hardest part for the modern man. Culture tells you to "find yourself," "love yourself," and "express yourself." Christ tells you to deny yourself. This isn't self-hatred; it's mission prioritization. It means saying "no" to your immediate comfort so you can say "yes" to something greater. It means killing the ego that demands to be served.
2. Take Up Your Cross Daily
This isn't a metaphor for dealing with a bad boss or a slow commute. In the first century, a man carrying a cross was walking a one-way street to execution. To take up your cross means you are dead to your old self. You aren't living for your own reputation anymore. And notice the word "daily." It’s not a one-time decision you made at summer camp when you were twelve. It’s a decision you make every morning when your feet hit the floor.
3. Follow Me
You can’t follow someone if you’re standing still. Discipleship requires movement. If your faith looks exactly the same today as it did five years ago, you aren't following—you’re loitering. Following Jesus means moving into uncomfortable territory, forgiving people you don't want to forgive, and serving when you'd rather be served.
What This Looks Like for the Modern Man
So, how does this ancient call translate to the 21st century? It doesn't mean you need to sell everything and live in the desert (unless He calls you to). But it does mean your life should look distinct.
Radical Integrity in Business
Being a disciple means your "yes" is "yes" and your "no" is "no." It means you’re the guy who refuses to cut corners even when it hurts the bottom line. It means you treat your employees with dignity and your clients with honesty, even when no one is watching. You lead with ethical innovation, using your skills for good rather than just profit.
Servant Leadership at Home
Too many men confuse "head of the household" with being a dictator. Jesus, the King of Kings, washed feet. If you want to be a disciple in your home, you lead by serving. You’re the first to apologize, the first to sacrifice your preference for your wife’s needs, and the steady rock that your children can lean on.
Resilience in Failure
A disciple isn't perfect; a disciple is resilient. When you fall—and you will—you don't wallow in shame. You get back up. You own your mistake, you repent, and you get back on the path. As we see in leaders who truly follow Christ, a loss is only a loss if you don't learn from it. Your identity isn't in your success record; it's in the One you follow.
Conclusion: Get in the Arena
Discipleship is not a spectator sport. It’s a call to the arena. It’s gritty, it’s costly, and it’s the only life worth living.
Stop settling for being a fan of Jesus. Step out of the crowd. Pick up your cross. Embrace the discipline. And let’s get moving.
Are you ready to follow?
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