How Should Christians Live? 3 Marks of a True Disciple
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One of the most important questions every believer can ask is this:
How should Christians live?
The world offers countless opinions about success, happiness, and purpose. Even within the church, it’s easy to become distracted by religious activity while missing the heart of what Jesus actually taught.
When Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples,” He wasn’t simply asking them to help people believe the right things. He was inviting them into a completely different way of living.
A disciple is someone whose life is continually being shaped by Jesus Christ.
So what does that life look like?
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently highlighted three characteristics that identify an authentic disciple.
1. A Disciple Chooses to Serve Instead of Seeking Recognition
Human nature naturally wants recognition.
We want to be noticed, appreciated, and promoted.
Even Jesus’ own disciples struggled with this. More than once, they argued about who among them was the greatest.
Jesus’ response completely overturned their way of thinking.
“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mark 10:43)
Instead of pursuing status, Jesus called His followers to pursue service.
Then He pointed to Himself as the ultimate example.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)
Think about that.
The Creator of the universe came not demanding honor but washing feet.
If Jesus lived that way, His disciples should too.
Servanthood isn’t weakness.
It is strength expressed through humility.
It means asking questions like:
- How can I help?
- How can I encourage someone today?
- How can I make another person’s life better?
Whether at work, at home, or in church, disciples look for opportunities to serve before seeking opportunities to be recognized.
2. A Disciple Obeys God—Even When It’s Difficult
Following Jesus isn’t always easy.
There were moments in Christ’s ministry when His teaching became so challenging that many people simply walked away.
When that happened, Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked:
“Do you also want to go away?”
Peter’s answer remains one of the greatest confessions of faith in Scripture.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
That’s the heart of discipleship.
A disciple doesn’t obey only when God’s commands feel comfortable.
A disciple decides beforehand:
Whatever God’s Word says—I will obey.
That’s an entirely different mindset.
Instead of negotiating with Scripture or deciding which commands are convenient, the disciple has already settled the issue.
Jesus is Lord.
His Word is trustworthy.
Obedience follows.
There will be seasons when following Christ costs us something.
It may cost popularity.
Comfort.
Relationships.
Opportunities.
But authentic disciples understand that nothing compares to knowing Christ.
3. A Disciple Loves Like Jesus
If Jesus identified one characteristic above all others, it was this:
Love.
During the Last Supper, after washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus gave them what He called a new commandment.
“Love one another; as I have loved you.”
Then He added these remarkable words:
“By this all will know that you are My disciples…”
Notice what Jesus didn’t say.
He didn’t say people would recognize His disciples by their knowledge, church attendance, or by their ministry position.
He said they would be recognized by love.
- A love that serves.
- Forgives.
- Shows mercy.
- Speaks the truth.
- Values every person because every person bears God’s image.
This kind of love doesn’t ignore sin.
Jesus never ignored sin.
But neither did He stop loving sinners.
He spoke truth while extending grace.
That same balance should characterize every follower of Christ.
Living as a Disciple Every Day
Christian discipleship isn’t about becoming perfect overnight.
It’s about allowing Jesus to shape every area of our lives.
- Our attitudes.
- Our priorities.
- Our relationships.
- Our decisions.
Each day presents another opportunity to become a little more like Him.
The question isn’t simply,
“Am I a Christian?”
The deeper question is,
“Am I becoming a disciple?”
A Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus,
Teach me to serve instead of seeking recognition.
Give me the courage to obey Your Word even when it’s difficult.
Fill my heart with Your love so that others may see You through my life.
Help me become the disciple You have called me to be.
Amen.
Continue Growing
If you’d like to explore this teaching further, be sure to watch this week’s episode of the Foundational U Podcast, where we take a deeper look at the characteristics of an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ.
