Grow, Serve, Go
You may be a believer—but are you also a disciple of Christ? What does it even mean to be Christ’s disciple?
Many of us focus—rightly—on salvation. Scripture teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). After salvation, however, comes sanctification—a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ (Philippians2:12–13). Jesus calls us to be true disciples who grow, serve, and go.
First, we Grow. This is orthodoxy—right thinking. Disciples study God’s Word to know Him and be transformed (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We learn the Gospel deeply so that we can live in light of it. There is a juxtaposition to growth: A Christian knows he is growing by how often he repents. There is both wonderful and challenging news with sanctification: True growth brings self-awareness, for the more we see God’s holiness, the more we recognize our own sin and need for grace (Isaiah 6:5; Romans 7:24–25). Fortunately, this process doesn’t have to happen alone, because we grow in fellowship with one another as disciples in Christ. As with the original disciples, our growth occurs together, as we teach, admonish, foster and encourage one another with wisdom (Colossians 3:16).
Second, we Serve. This is ortho-pathos—right feeling and motivation. Jesus taught that the greatest among us must be the servant of all (Mark 10:43–45). Service flows from love, the central commandment of the Christian life(John 13:34–35). We are called to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians2:3–4). Serving means listening with compassion (James 1:19), offering fellowship, and caring for one another with humility (1 Peter 4:8–10; Micah 6:8). Disciples in Christ are leaders: not leadership in a worldly sense, through power and hierarchy, but leadership through service. Under the Christian model, leadership is never an exercise of power, but an opportunity to serve.
Third, we Go.This is orthopraxy—right practice. Jesuscommanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18–20). That Great Commission is for every believer. There are many facets to the topic of bearing witness, but here, let’s consider two aspects perhaps not often emphasized enough: witnessing by deed and listening, before speaking, to others.
Evangelism can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t mean pressuring people—it means bearing witness in both word and deed(Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15–16). Often, we must earn the right to be heard. Our actions—loving service, integrity, generosity—speak volumes (Matthew 5:16). After all, who is ready to hear someone who hasn’t earned the right? It is a natural human response because words are cheap. Actions, by contrast, in service, love, and mission for the Gospel cost something—and people see that. When people see you behave like a Christian, especially one willing to serve, so often then, and only then, will you earn the right to speak. Living the Word opens the door to speaking the Word, particularly in a skeptical world.
Here is another way as a disciple to carry Christ’s witness: Simply be willing to listen to people—and without judgment. Listening well, especially with compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment, can itself be a ministry. It is a Christian’s way of investing in the future relationship with another. Many people carry profound wounds from sin, regrets, cycles of dysfunction, or even hurtful experiences from Christians or churches. We may hesitate to witness, feeling intimidated, focusing upon what we will say. So often, however, that is placing the cart before the horse, for how are you even going to know what to say if you haven’t first heard the other person? You must meet people where they are, and to know where they are you must take the time to listen. If you don’t know what to say initially, join the club, for evangelism can feel uncomfortable. So just listen: Ask questions with curiosity, forego judgment and offer a space in God’s love. Get to know the person. Be kind. Make the investment in the relationship, because when the time comes, it can pay off in the form of a new citizen in God’s Kingdom. As Christ’s disciple, offer others a place to be heard, showing Christ’s compassion (Matthew 11:28–30).
Discipleship is not a program or checklist. It is a way of life shaped by Jesus’ call to follow him (Luke 9:23).It is growing in knowledge and grace (2 Peter3:18), serving others in love (Galatians 5:13–14), and going into the world as His witnesses (John 20:21). This calling is not just for pastors or missionaries—it is for all of us.
So ask yourself: Am I growing? Am I serving? Am I going?May we be disciples who live out the Gospel—not just on Sundays, but every day, everywhere God leads.
In Christ,
Mort Taylor
