The Bottom Line

Been thinkin'.

Been thinkin' 'bout internalization.

The key to discipleship is internalization. There are people I know who have internalized the faith. Their motivation comes from within. All I have to do is help them with a little teaching, a little encouragement.

Others haven't internalized discipleship. They do what they have to to get by (as an acceptable middle-class evangelical in today's church culture). Pastors and leaders are always looking for ways to get these folks motivated.

The key to a successful church and ministry is moving more people from the latter class to the former. Here's an idea for starters. We should put up a sign in our church building that asks:

Are you a "cultural Christian" or a follower of Jesus Christ?

Some people wouldn't even know what that means. That's OK. We can educate them! (It boils down to "Are you externally motivated- by the prevailing watered-down standards of 21st century American middle-class evangelical churchianity or are you internally motivated by the grace, call and demands of the Lord Jesus Christ?").

Which kind of "Christian" are you?

If you are a disciple: be encouraged. His grace is sufficient for your shortcomings and, however imperfectly, you are fighting the right fight, you are on the right path.

If you've been content with just getting by, Repent! (Revelation 3:14-22).