Spotlight 08/2019: Rich as a disciple of Christ!

Once again, the motto for the year will prove to be an abundant resource of spiritual thought and consideration. Already in the opening-of-the-year divine service, we learned of the wealth of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the facilitator of this wealth, and the teaching activity of the Holy Spirit on how we can obtain it. We received a clear outline. In order to receive the riches of God we must believe in Jesus Christ and then, in humbleness follow His word and teachings, use our gifts to serve, give up what is not necessary for the kingdom of God, bring our offerings in gratitude and trust, and accept those whom God has sent.

Now let us merge this together with what the Chief Apostle’s opening statement was in an interview about our Church strategy:

We want to make people disciples of Christ!

The above actions also exactly align with the pathway to become a disciple of Christ. Thus, by striving to become a disciple of Christ, one can also avail oneself of His wealth.

But the story continues. As His disciples, we enjoy a certain lifestyle that benefits richly from the wealth that Christ shares with us. This lifestyle reflects the characteristics of a true disciple of Christ. True disciples of Christ

• more deeply know and understand God and His ways.
• are confident that they are loved by Christ, inspiring their courage.
• recognise the greatest advocate they have in Christ, as He was willing to take upon Himself the punishment for their sin and guilt.
• enjoy contentment and serenity, regardless whether they are naturally rich or poor.
• appreciate their rebirth out of water and Spirit as a pledge of their inheritance.
• delight in the support of those who surround them in the congregation.
• are sure of the guarantee that they will be given everything they need to obtain the goal of faith.

Equipped in such a way, true disciples of Christ prove their discipleship by living according to the impulses they have learned from their example, Jesus, and as they were taught by the Holy Spirit.

They have a necessary urge to share the riches they have received, just as Christ did, with their contemporaries and neighbours—doing good works, forgiving those who have caused them pain and sorrow, helping the needy, and sharing the ever-relevant gospel of Jesus. This they do because as disciples they are confident that in giving out the riches of Christ they will never become poorer, but only experience His joy and fulfillment in their lives and in the life to come.

Photo: Oliver Rütten