Branded as a Disciple of Jesus

Welcome to the Trent Stewart Leadership podcast! I’m here to help everyday leaders make every day count. My goal is to help you grow as a leader and make a difference in your church, business, and home by influencing others to look to Jesus.  Episode 31: “Branded as a Disciple of Jesus” We all like various brands. Maybe you love Lulu Lemon, or Nike, or Apple. Whatever brand you think is cool, you begin to subscribe to. Cost doesn’t matter because you’ve been convinced that this particular brand offers a superior product. Because of marketing and the quality of the product, these brands become known for something. So, what’s your brand as a human being? In other words, what are you known for? Today we’re going to explore the idea of being branded. Not by the latest fashion trend, but as a disciple of Jesus Christ. What are you going to be known for? “From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.” - Galatians 6:17 (NRSV) The Apostle Paul made it clear that he belonged to Jesus. He was persecuted for preaching the Gospel and had the scars that proved his devotion to  Jesus. True followers of Jesus want to be known as such. If you’re a follower of Jesus you might not get invited to the party, you might not make the sale, some people may not want to be around you. Are you willing to follow Jesus anyway? What does it mean to be branded as a disciple of Jesus? “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 Someone who is committed to follow Jesus Do you spend time with Jesus? You can’t be a part-time disciple. It’s a full-time relationship. You will grow spiritually when you spend time with Jesus. “If you want to be my disciple you must come and follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them.” – John 12:26 Three important truths about spiritual growth: 1. Spiritual Growth is a CHOICE. “If you want to be my disciple…” You’ve got to want it. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It’s intentional. 2. Spiritual Growth is a COMMITMENT. “… you must come and follow” It’s going to take action. Any kind of commitment is going to require change. You can’t be committed to everything. Spiritual mentors & coaches help us sort through our commitments when we over commit, and prod us along when we don’t want to make commitments. 3. Spiritual Growth is a RELATIONSHIP. “… be where I am.” It’s not about rules, rituals, formulas, or expectations you have to meet. Spiritual growth is about being with Jesus in a relationship. “He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles to be with him, to send them out to preach.” - (Mark 3:14) Jesus helped 12 guys grow spiritually as leaders to send them out to preach. Small Groups model that relational approach. Not everyone will be called to full-time ministry, but we all have the capacity to grow and then lead other people in their faith journey. What does it mean to be with Jesus? Are you talking to Him consistently? “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer is really just having a conversation with Jesus. The more you grow spiritually, the more you’re able to determine God’s voice. The more time you spend with Him and in the Word of God, the more you’ll be able to apply it to your life. The more you’re around godly people, the more you’ll be influenced to be godly. We should be seeking to be branded as a disciple of Jesus and want others to know that’s the brand that we care about.