DISCIPLESHIP DOES NOT MEAN ABANDONING ALL ASPIRATIONS.

 


By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

 " No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" .Philippians 3:13‭-‬14 NLT

     "Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”Lk 9:61‭-‬62 NLT

    The calling of a disciple is all encompassing , it affects every facet of human existence. The gospel of the kingdom has to be preached to persons in every aspect  of human endeavours .

    It is against this backdrop that being a disciple does not necessarily mean abandoning all other pursuits . Jobs, businesses, skills and talents  are tools for the promotion of the gospel.  Tabitha ( Dorcas) was a fashion designer and entrepreneur and a disciple of Jesus Christ . The bible says  "So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them." Acts of the Apostles 9:39 NLT 

   Joseph of Arimathaea  was a political figure with immense riches and he was a disciple of Jesus Christ ( John19:38-40) Some of the political figures and businessmen in Asia were followers of apostle Paul ( Acts19:31)   

Cornelius was a top military figure and was a disciple of Jesus Christ and a follower of apostle Paul. Also Erastus was a politician who was a disciple of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:23) 

   A common denominator amongst Disciples is sacrificial giving . Jesus Christ had financial partners  , The bible says " Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples." Luke 8:3 NLT . 
   Disciples recognize the importance of money in the promotion of the gospel . Money is an amplifier , more people are reached through constant funding of missionaries by disciples of Jesus Christ.  " Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others."1 Timothy 6:17‭-‬18 NLT
   Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to preach the gospel with signs and wonders following in Jesus name. 
+2348035636911 + 2348098536911 email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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