Committed To Discipleship: Living the Cause of Christ

Over the past few weeks, we've been delving deep into the Book of Mark, exploring the life of faith and formation. We've been on a quest to answer the fundamental question: who is this Jesus? What does it truly mean to follow him? And, perhaps most importantly, what is our response to his call?

If you're here and you're not quite sure about this whole Christianity thing, let me extend a warm welcome. This space is for everyone, no matter where you are on your faith journey. But for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus, we know that reading through the scriptures is more than just skimming through stories. It's about encountering the life of Jesus, learning to walk as he walked, and discovering the true essence of discipleship.

Now, let's talk about causes. We're all committed to something, whether we realize it or not. Think about it: how do you spend your time, your money, your resources, and your relationships? All of these things reflect the cause that you're living for.

For some, it's all about sports. You've got the jerseys, the season tickets, and your Sundays revolve around game schedules. And hey, there's nothing inherently wrong with being passionate about your team, but let's not let it consume us.

Then there's the self-care craze. We're constantly on the hunt for the next miracle cream or pill that promises eternal youth. But let's face it, no amount of external fixes can truly satisfy our longing for fulfillment.

And of course, there's the pursuit of prosperity and success. We're constantly striving to climb the ladder, build our portfolios, and amass wealth. But at the end of the day, what does it all amount to?

Now, here's where it gets real. Some of us are fighting for noble causes—justice, equality, environmental conservation. But are our motives pure? Are we truly committed to making a difference, or are we just jumping on the bandwagon?

And then there are those who are searching for something more. Something beyond the material world. Something that gives life true meaning and purpose.

So, where does Jesus fit into all of this? Well, if we take a closer look at the Book of Mark, we'll see that Jesus is fighting for three distinct causes.

Firstly, he's establishing a new nation—not a political or geographical entity, but a community of believers bound together by their allegiance to Christ. This new nation transcends borders and bloodlines, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.

Secondly, Jesus is confronting the forces of evil and ushering in a new era of spiritual freedom. Through his death and resurrection, he defeats sin and death once and for all, offering us the promise of eternal life.

And finally, Jesus is calling us to discipleship. He's not looking for fans or followers; he's looking for apprentices—people who are willing to walk in his footsteps, to live as he lived, and to carry on his mission.

So, what does this mean for us? Well, it means that we need to move beyond mere attendance and embrace active engagement. We need to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the cause of Christ, pressing in when others walk away, and submitting ourselves to the process of discipleship.

It won't be easy. It will require sacrifice and perseverance. But the reward far outweighs the cost. So let's make a choice today—to be more than just part of the crowd, but to be true disciples of Jesus, committed to living out his cause in the world.

And remember, it's not about finding the perfect church with all the bells and whistles. It's about finding a community where God is moving, where discipleship is prioritized, and where Christ is at the center of it all.

So, wherever you are on your journey, take a step today. Choose to be part of something bigger than yourself. Choose to be a disciple of Jesus.