To Be a Disciple Is to Be Kind

Christ spent only a few years of His life dedicated to teaching others. Much of His life was spent working under His earthly father and learning about His Heavenly Father alongside His mother. It is in the few years we have with Christ that we receive our mission as a people and as a church: to spread the good news of the Lord, heal the sick, and serve others. These are the missions Christ gave His disciples back then, and they are what we, as a church, strive to fulfill today.

The problem arises when only the church embodies these teachings rather than the individual who has taken up the mantle of a disciple. We have become accustomed to riding on the coattails of big organisations’ successes instead of busying ourselves with the work of the Lord. To be a disciple of Christ in this modern day means putting His teachings into everyday practice. It is not enough to do good only through large and exciting ministries; we must also do good through the small, everyday acts that bless the people around us.

It is in our best interests as Christians to recognise the harm that those who have borne Christ’s name have done to others in the past. Even if our denomination differs from those responsible for the Crusades or other historical injustices, the scars of the past have not faded from memory. To be a disciple of Christ is to remember that, although intentions may be pure, they may not always be received that way. For many people, the topic of Christianity and religion can be a bane and a complete shutdown for many people, especially given how toxic and harmful some religious environments have proven to be.

To spread the word of the Lord is our mission, but it is not our right to force the Bible upon others. Instead, we must be attentive to people's circumstances and empathetic toward their pain. Rather than self-righteously proclaiming the word of God, it is often better to first know and befriend people—Jesus Himself did exactly that. While He certainly taught openly, speaking about God was far more socially acceptable in His time than it is in ours. We are not in the same position today. To be a disciple and live out Christ's teachings means being understanding and considerate, striving to be like Christ rather than constantly proclaiming ourselves to be His followers.

Miracles are not overtly present or mainstream in 21st-century North America. Very few people claim to have healed the sick, and many who do are either liars or engaged in scams. As for the average Christian, it is not plausible that we create miracles in the Lord’s name and physically heal the sick, not in this time and place. Still, the mission remains despite our lack of ability.

To heal the sick could mean many different things, especially in the 21^st century: serving in healthcare, caring for the elderly, supporting those in rehabilitation, and countless other acts of compassion. That being said, it is not in the skill set of many people to serve in these fields. If the meaning of Christ’s mission is not commonly found in literal healing, then perhaps its meaning is found elsewhere. Rather than physically healing others, we can simply be present for them. Whether we listen, encourage, or spend time with someone, these actions are no less significant. Building community and fostering genuine relationships can be as healing as medicine—sometimes even more so. Christ did this as well; He often spent time with society's outcasts because that was where His healing presence was needed most. To model ourselves after Christ means seeking out those who may simply need a friend.

Looking at 21st-century North America and its attitudes toward time and money, it is apparent that its culture is rooted in convenience and speed. Capitalism reigns as the ruling system, and with it comes self-centredness. Even the church can fall victim to this way of thinking, choosing the easier path over the more difficult one. This is not to fault anybody; convenience is not inherently sinful. Rather, it has shaped how we view ourselves and others. We have become important and wonderful in our own eyes, and so we seek to elevate ourselves. Society often encourages us to think primarily of ourselves and to serve our own interests.

Christ, however, cautions us against such self-importance and calls us to serve others. This includes both small and significant acts of service, whether feeding the homeless or helping a neighbour mow the lawn. No act of service is insignificant when it is done for the benefit of others.

The heart of Christ’s mission is kindness. It is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Although many seek to elaborate on Christ’s teachings, they can be boiled down into one simple principle: be kind.

Being a disciple in the modern day is difficult with all the distractions the world offers. To be like Christ requires steadfastness and a dedication to his teachings—it is not enough to just attend church and mingle amongst ourselves. We must go out into the world and associate with people; otherwise, we will never be able to share the good news beyond our church circle. Christ urges us to be compassionate with our neighbours, enemies, and strangers alike, regardless of their religious or socioeconomic status. This, I believe, is what it means to be a disciple of Christ in the 21^st century.

Janelle Rosemyn Macaraig
Mount Zion Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church