Jesus in My Life

Being a disciple in the 21st century starts with how we follow and understand Jesus in our daily lives. Living with Jesus in my life starts with a morning prayer that goes, “Allow me to speak Your words today and be with me through the decisions I make.” Throughout the day, I am often praying—not simply about tests or difficult assignments, but also for my close and distant friends. In my opinion, I am a very observant person, noticing things that may take others a while to notice. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to discuss serious topics with my friends, so I pray for them. Noticing these things, praying for them specifically when I recognise them, and remembering them in my nighttime prayers are ways I follow Jesus’ kind and prayerful nature.

Many people in my life like to tell me that I am smart, but there are some downsides to this characteristic. I am almost always asked questions. People ask me for help with homework, to explain topics, and to define various words. The constant questioning can be annoying, and I’ll admit that I sometimes get upset when I am the first person asked. However, when I remember that my intelligence is a gift from God that must be shared, I am able to think of Jesus’ patient and long-suffering nature. Believing this allows me to help those who have a harder time understanding, explain my belief in the gospel in religion class, and apply creation-based reasoning in science class.

At Kingsway College, students like myself have the opportunity to work to help pay the cost of attending the school. By Grade 10, students have a wide variety of job options. In Grade 10, I worked for the deans in the dorm, making announcements and answering phone calls. In my opinion, my job was emotional. Through my job, I can connect with the deans and have meaningful conversations with them. When I speak with the deans and with students who pass by me in the morning, I show genuine interest in what they tell me and share. One of the deans, who has been with the school for her whole life, has been going through family troubles. As an observant and active listener, I can be there for her when she shares news about what is happening. In this way, I believe that I am showing Jesus’ compassion and genuine care for her, representing how He has helped me and can guide her through the pain she is currently experiencing.

In conclusion, being a disciple in the 21st century, in my life, ranges from helping others and being in constant prayer to emotionally connecting with those around me. In these daily actions, I reflect Jesus’ characteristics. The definition of a disciple according to Biola University is “being a committed follower, student, and apprentice who actively imitates His life, obeys His teachings and abides in Him.” Even though I am constantly falling short of these “requirements,” I believe that trying every day to connect with others, with Him, and to help others is the 21st-century definition of discipleship.

Mykala Rose
Hamilton East Seventh-day Adventist Church