This year I have really pondered on what a disciple of Jesus Christ actually is. I have begun to read the New Testament again so that I can have a more direct and firmer understanding of the miracles and the teachings of Jesus Christ. I also really want to understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

I used to struggle reading the scriptures. It takes a lot of focus and patience. As I have made this my goal and we as a family have spent the last few years reading them together, the understanding is coming. It feels like a miracle, but it really isn’t. I have put the effort in, and I have been consistent with it. That effort and desire has been noticed by God and I am now able to have more understanding given to me.

In tandem with this, I have watched all of The Chosen. What an inspired show. I know without a doubt that God’s hand is in the making and producing of this show. I love how much the actor that portrays Jesus loves Him so much. He is the best Jesus I have ever seen.

The Chosen has given me a better perspective of who the disciples were. They were imperfect humans. Sound familiar? They struggled with their faith in times of trials and strife. Sound familiar?

BUT… they continued to follow Him. Even with the doubts they had. Even with their imperfect pasts. Even when their questions weren’t answered how they wanted. Even when they didn’t know all of what they probably needed to know. They followed Christ.

They trusted Him. They had faith in Him. They knew that He was important to them. They eventually knew that He was the Son of God. They testified of Him.

How does this apply to me and you today? I have desired for so long to be a disciple of Christ. While I would love to be around Christ as much as the apostles got to be with Him, I don’t need to do that to be His disciple.

Disciple means to be a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. In a more direct meaning pertaining to Jesus Christ, disciple means: a personal follower of Jesus Christ during his life, especially one of the twelve apostles.

I know that Jesus Christ was a real person. He is the Son of God. He worked miracles. He healed many. He was perfect. He came here to save the world. And He did.

He will come again. This time, He will finish His father’s work. It will happen soon (think of the Chosen’s version of soon). Will we be ready? Is our focus on Him and not on the worldly things of this world? Will He know us when he comes, because we knew Him when he wasn’t here? Are we loving our fellow man, even when it is so difficult to do so? Are we serving each other?

It is never too late to start. I put it off for a long time because I thought it was too late. Just think of yourself as the youth and you will never feel that way. I love the youth, they have so much potential and life experiences ahead of them.

But you know what? I do too. I just have the knowledge, wisdom and understanding from my life experiences to know that I want to spend my time with more important things. I want to love and serve others. I want to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and apply them in my life.

How are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?