freedom in discipleship

For some of us, freedom resembles something like this: Roaming free, like a horse in an open field. Not a care in the world, running unshackled across the earth.

Or it may appear like this:

Living life by my own rules. No one to tell me no – my desires are what is most important.

After all, isn’t that one of the thrills we eagerly anticipate about university? No longer do we have to obey the rules of our parents, be monitored by our schoolteachers, or live in the same town or city we grew up in (which happens to be London all too often) any more. No more early dinners at the table, no more 10pm curfews, and no more questioning about how much alcohol we’ve consumed on a night out!

So, when thinking about freedom, the idea of subjecting oneself to a committed accountable, a relationship based in discipleship doesn’t exactly sound exciting. And what do I mean by that? I mean having someone older than you in your life, who can provide sound spiritual advice, based solely around the Bible. Someone you can read, share struggles and pray with. However, also someone who can challenge you, call out the areas in your life that you can work on, all in a loving way which you can humbly receive.

But why subject yourself to this kind of relationship? Why let someone challenge me in my life? After all, doesn’t the bible say “it is for freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NIV), so how can I be freed for freedom in discipleship?

Often, we may find that although it’s initially appealing, the freedom we look for isn’t as easy or as desirable as many of us dream it will be. Why else would so many students duck home for a weekend during term time? Or have their parents come up to provide food or medicines? Just as a fresher recently said told me, “They don’t tell you how much time adulting takes!”. The truth is that the picture our culture paints of freedom is a false one. One that creates false hope, false expectations, and far too often, a false nature as we pretend to enjoy ourselves when deep down, we’re struggling and hurting.

I believe that the freedom we find in Christ is far better than anything we’d find elsewhere. And part of the freedom we have in Christ is actually found within being discipled. First and foremost, we are invited to be disciples of Christ, who tells us “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. And the truth does set us free. Knowing that we are loved by God regardless of our sins frees us from the shame. And as we are discipled, we are conformed to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29).

In the great commission, Jesus says to “make disciples of all nations”. Notice how it doesn’t just say to spread the gospel – but to actively make disciples. This was modelled for the disciples through their relationship with Jesus, who taught them (Mark 4:33), loved them (John 13:1), admonished them (Mark 10:13-15) and journeyed with them. We also see many similar relationships throughout the bible. Joshua was discipled by Moses, as Moses teaches him from a young age (Numbers 11:26-30) and eventually hands

over leadership to Joshua. Similarly, we see Elijah mentor Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21), training him up as a prophet.

Discipleship functions as a way of being openly and unapologetically led as you journey through life. In James 5:16 we are told “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (ESV). In being discipled, we receive that prayer with the added experience of insight from someone who cares deeply about us, as opposed to anonymous interaction on a prayer line –not to knock those!

Discipleship isn’t easy, it requires time and effort on both sides. But rather than being a shackle, it frees us in our pursuit of discipleship with God, keeping us out of the chains of shame, fear and hopelessness, and into a place of love, encouragement and guidance. It teaches us how to be more like Christ, both in loving those we disciple, as well as being humble enough to be discipled.

I know that some of the biggest blessings in my life have been through those who have made an effort to disciple me, allowing me to grow and encouraging me along the way, sharing their experiences, struggles and learning curves.

And if you’re reading this and thinking, I’m beyond the point of being discipled, then this is for you too. It doesn’t matter your background or your stage of life, getting alongside others who can lead you towards Christ and speak wisely into your life is always important. After all, “the wise are glad to be instructed” (Proverbs 10:8 NLT). And if we are to seek wisdom, as we are continually prompted to in Proverbs, one way to do this is to receive instruction well!

And what if there’s no one around me to disciple you? If so, luckily the greatest teacher of all is always at hand, and he cares deeply about you. Call out to Him, and He will always answer!

Molayo is a 2nd year Human Sciences student at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Molayo is also a musician, playing guitar and producing contemporary music. He is also a big sports fan, having tried his hand at most sports he has come across!