Inductive versus deductive reasoning...

Go and make disciples... Teaching them to observe (obey / attend to carefully)  all that I have commanded you.

Matt. 28:16-20

Do you see yourself as a disciple? The word disciple in this sentence could be replaced with christian or follower, but I prefer the term student.  Are you obeying and paying careful attention to your relationship with Him? Are you obeying His command to make disciples as you go about your daily life? Are you finding people that want to follow Christ and teaching them how to "stay on the straight and narrow path"?

A christian is a Christ follower.  What does that mean? In America, we like to use the term christian and define ourselves through deductive reasoning:

Christians go to church. I go to church. I am a christian.

Christians get baptized. I've been baptized. I am a christian.

Christians obey God's commands. I am a good person. I am a christian.

Inductive reasoning is more accurate, since God looks at the heart of each man, rather than outward appearances.

I am a sinner that has gratefully accepted the free gift of grace therefore I am a Christian.

I believe that Jesus Christ died, taking on the punishment for my sins, and rose on the third day therefore I am a Christian.

I have been baptized, symbolically dying to self; it is not I that live, but Christ lives in me therefore I am a Christian. Can you tell? I hope so. If you can't, please pray that our Father will lovingly lead me to become a better reflection of Him.

Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning

I would continue that line of thought with the following...

I am a Christian therefore, I obey God by loving others well, seeking out opportunities in which I serve those in need with no expectation of reciprocation because God directs His children to do so.... not to earn salvation...not to mark off my list, but as a lifestyle choice motivated by love... that others will be drawn to Him by the glimpse of Him they see in me.

I am a Christian therefore, spiritual fruit is being produced in my life as my relationship with God grows deeper towards spiritual maturity. Can you sense its sweetness when you are near me? I hope so. If you can't, pray that the Holy Spirit will open my eyes to the Truth, soften my heart to follow His leading, and strengthen my courage to step out in faith.

I am a Christian, a Christ follower, seeking to grow in maturity and intimacy in Him with you. Therefore, I want to disciple you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to help you recognize your identity in Christ and the good deeds He has in store for you.

Are you a Christ follower? Do you want to be? Do you have someone to walk this path with you? Leading you? Following you? We are not meant to walk alone. Are you interested in being discipled or in discipling others? Please reach out. We would be honored to guide you toward your next step. One step toward discipleship that I intend to take, beginning August 22nd, will be attending the Downline Institute.  Follow the link, if you'd like to join me by taking this step too or if you just want to know more about it.

Father,

Help us as we step out in faith to disciple and to be discipled. May we never stop being students because even into eternity, we will have much to learn of You.

-me