Are You A Discounted Disciple?

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:3-4 (ESV)

I love a good bargain, and I am a fan of Dollar Tree. Recently, while I was recovering from an illness, I spent a lot of time resting in bed. With that extra time, I discovered another Jesus Girl who loves Dollar Tree. Her name is Kathryn and you can find her at doitonadimeblog.com. She lives out her life focusing on organization, DIY, and being frugal searching for the best “discounts”. Being saturated in that “discount-focused” world, I applied that concept to what I was unfolding in God’s Word.

I am currently studying the book of James. Although I studied it a few years ago with Beth Moore (and Debbie), this go-around, God is giving me fresh eyes. As I was Bible mapping through our key verses, James 1: 3-4, I became glued to the word “steadfastness” in verse 3. (Click on the link to download your free Bible Mapping worksheet.)

Do you think you are steadfast in your walk with Christ or are you a fence-rider?

Different versions of God’s Word used synonyms for the word “steadfast”. Look at the verses below.

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:3 (NLT)

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
James 1:3 (KJV)

Be steadfast. Endure. Be patient.

Charles Swindoll says,

“The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with our faith. How well do your actions mirror the faith that you proclaim?”

If you answered the call “come and follow Me” accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, then YOU are a disciple! Do your actions mirror the title of “disciple”? James tells us in verse 3, as a disciple, we will encounter trials, but we must be steadfast, endure, and be patient.

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:4

Steadfastness, endurance, and patience perfects our Christian character. By being obedient, remaining “steadfast” in Him, abiding in His Word, we will be made complete, lacking in nothing.

Choose to not be a fence-rider.

The outward circumstances of our lives (testing of our faith, trials) should not permeate our hearts into our actions. Our spirit, our attitude/response should be clothed in JOY based upon our faith in Jesus Christ.

“I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11 (HCSB)

Are you complete in Jesus or do you carry a Discounted Disciple Card, only calling on Jesus when it’s beneficial?

Let me give you some scenarios:

❏ During an illness /suffering
❏ Financial burdens
❏ In times of desperation
❏ Marital/relationship issues
❏ Relationships at work or with friendships
❏ Going to church only on Sunday morning, Easter, and Christmas

Ladies, there have been times in my Christian walk where I have been a fence-rider. I am not proud of that but that is part of my story.

BUT GOD!

Because of the grace of Jesus, I did make the decision to shred my Discounted Disciple Card. I chose to stand firm on the promises of God and get off of the fence. You can too! He doesn’t call us to be Discounted Disciples. He calls us to be His Disciples, complete and lacking in nothing.

Jesus paid FULL PRICE on the cross with His life. Don’t discount His sacrifice. Forgiveness is free.

Let me share some closing thoughts from Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement:

I’ve been discovering, though, that God’s desire for a relationship with us requires us to believe in a promise that brings change. In Isaiah 43:19 we read that God promises He is about to do something new.

We are created in God’s image, and that means we reflect a God who does new things. He made the humble things holy when He sent His Son to be born in a manger…. When we accept Christ as the Savior of our lives, we’re not just saying empty words. We commit to a life of change.

When life takes an unexpected turn, and we can’t see the next new thing God is planning, we can choose to grow, or we can choose to retreat.

Where are you in your walk with Christ?

Are you riding the fence, choosing to retreat, and doing things your own way in your own time?

Today, choose to accept the full price of redemption, leaving the discounts of this world behind.

Get off that fence and be all in with Jesus!

Time to Unfold

• Read God’s Word: Highlight the verses listed in this post in your own Bible.
• Pray: Ask God to open your heart and mind to be a Full Price Disciple.
• Do: Seek God and the changes He wants to make in your life.
• Repeat: Be intentional by being steadfast, enduring, and patient as God changes you.

Steadfast in Him,