What does it mean to be a disciple?

[Bishka]

What does it mean to you personally as a Christian to be a diciple of Christ?

I'd like to quote Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the LDS Church

Anyone who believes in the doctrine, teachings, or philosophy of another and who follows that teach is his disciple. He stands as a learner, a devotee of the one whose concepts he accepts (Mormon Doctrine, p. 198)

Do you think this definition by McConkie is accurate in your sense of the word?

Or does this more aptly define disciple:

"True disciples are those who go beyond simply believeing. They act out thier belief. Said the Savior, 'If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak o fmyself.' (John 7:17). Disciples follow the Divine Master." (LDS Conference Report, April 1985, p 37)

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?

 

[Scuba Pete]

From Jesus of Nazareth, founder of the Christian church...

John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." NIV

John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV

John 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. NIV

 

[michel]

Just out of interest, The apparent link between Disciple and discipline caught my eye;
From:- http://www.etymonline.com/
Disciple: O.E. discipul (fem. discipula), Biblical borrowing from L. discipulus "pupil," from *discipere "to grasp intellectually, analyze thoroughly," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + capere "take" (see capable).
Discipline:-
c.1225, from O.Fr. descepline, from L. disciplina "instruction given to a disciple," from discipulus (see disciple). Sense is from "order necessary for instruction." Meaning "branch of instruction or education" is c.1386. Meaning "military training" is from 1489; that of "orderly conduct as a result of training" is from 1509. The verb is attested from c.1300. Disciplinarian "one who enforces order" is first attested 1639; earlier used of Puritans who wanted to establish the Presbyterian "discipline" in England (c.1585).

So it seems that there is an element of 'learning' to a disciple; which makes sense.

 

[may]

A taught one, a learner, a pupil. The Hebrew word for a disciple (lim·mudh´) basically refers to one who learns, is taught, or is trained. The Greek word ma·the·tes´ (disciple) primarily denotes one who directs his mind to something.
Jesus’ purpose in teaching his disciples was to make them like himself, preachers and teachers of the good news of the Kingdom.
That Christians to this very day are obligated to make disciples of the people of the nations is made clear by the closing words of Jesus’ command: "And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." They are not making disciples for themselves, as those taught are really disciples of Jesus Christ, for it is the teaching, not of men, but of Christ, that they follow.

 

[sojourner]

A disciple is one who learns from and follows the example of a teacher. Disciples of Christ learn from Jesus and follow his example.