A disciple of Christ follows Him in these 9 ways:

1. Personally: This profound relationship is neither inherited nor contagious; It is not transmitted by utterances such as ‘God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ or God of ***insert G.O name***. Rather, this relationship is nurtured through deliberate effort. “I aspire to know you in your purest essence -not an interpretation of you, not a borrowed perception, and certainly not through verses of songs. I yearn to understand your core identity. What defines you? What brings you joy? What stirs your displeasure? Can you lay bare your heart before me? Scrutinize my heart. Guide me onto the right path. Can we share moments in communion? My desire is to intimately know you and be known by you.
2. Permanently: This commitment is final and unwavering. No matter the hurdles that lie ahead, regardless of the sacrifices required, we are resolute in seeing this journey through.
3. Repentantly: A true disciple’s hallmark isn’t just repentance, but an ongoing journey of repentance. Such a disciple doesn’t dwell in the realm of persistent sin. Instead, there is a continual turning away from sinful ways. Repentance ushers in a profound shift in perspective, compelling the disciple to turn 180 degrees and embrace a diametrically opposite course.
4. Obediently: A follower of Christ is one who operates under the unequivocal authority of the Word. Engaging in prayer over matters explicitly laid out in the Bible is redundant for such a disciple. Like a dutiful soldier, they derive their directives from the Word and diligently execute them, irrespective of personal sentiments.
5. Immediately: There is no space for extended farewells or one last dance with sin. The call to discipleship isn’t linked to a particular age or status. It’s immediate, without delay.
6. Comprehensively: A disciple’s existence is singular; they lead an undivided life devoted to Christ. Whether spending time with their spouse, engaging with their children, fulfilling secular responsibilities or responsibilities in the Church, they remain steadfast in their discipleship.
7. Unconditionally: A disciple doesn’t stipulate conditions for their allegiance. There are no ‘if you do this, I will serve you’ clauses. The disciple embodies the resolve of Job, declaring, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” The disciple’s devotion isn’t contingent on wealth, success, protection, or providence. It is an unflinching commitment to follow Christ, come what may.
8. Openly: The disciple bears no shame in their allegiance to their Master. Amidst the prevailing trend of self-identifications, they proudly identify as Christian.
9. Exclusively: A disciple of Christ acknowledges a sole Master – Christ and none other. Not Christ alongside an altar, other religions, philosophers, or even pastors. Christ stands alone. This doesn’t negate the disciple’s submission to pastoral leadership or their involvement in the Church; in fact, such interactions exemplify the interdependence of fellow soldiers accountable to each other, with Christ as the ultimate Shepherd and Captain.

So what will it cost to embrace the path of Christ? The answer is unequivocal: Everything! It will cost everything!

Matthew 16: 24-26. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever loses his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?