3 Signs of a healthy disciple of Jesus
by Javier Mendoza, co founder of Connect Global and Hills Global Church
[15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. —Matthew 7:15-20
What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
It's more than simply declaring our faith; it's about transformation—what in us needs to change, what should remain, and what must be surrendered. Being a disciple of Jesus requires intentional growth, marked by tangible evidence of His work in our lives. As His followers, we are called to lay down our lives and make Him Lord over all. As Danielle Mendoza recently wrote, "To proclaim 'Jesus is Lord' is to declare war on every lesser master—on self-will, cultural conformity, and worldly ambition. It is to say: 'Not my will, but Yours be done.'"1 A healthy disciple doesn't just speak the words—they live them out. Over the years Danielle and I have practiced our faith in many ways and can identify many signs of healthy disciples who are consistently giving them selves over to Jesus and His spiritual direction in their lives, In this article, we’ll explore just three signs we see often in healthy disciples; valuing His presence over our performance, living in overflow instead of obligation, and relying on more on spiritual discipline than constant deliverance. These signs reveal the depth of our transformation and the fruit of our commitment to follow Jesus.
You Value Presence Over Performance
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."
—John 15:4
Jesus teaches us that fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him, not from performance or outward appearances. It's not about how much we can do or how impressive we appear; it’s about being in His presence and allowing His life to flow through us. The key to a fruitful life is staying rooted in Him, not in striving for recognition or achievement.
In His Presence is where true transformation happens. When we value God's presence in our lives over how we perform or what we can achieve, we allow His peace and power to form us. It is His hands that ultimately shape us.2 The fruit of the Spirit flows from being with Jesus, not from striving to do things for Him.
So, how do we prioritize presence with God over performance? Make time to rest in Him, to hear His voice, and to simply be with Him. Trust that, as you stay in His presence, He will produce the fruit in your life, and you will become more of who He has called you to be.
You Live in Overflow, Not Obligation
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." —John 15:8
When we abide in Jesus and His Word remains in us, our lives overflow with fruit. It’s not about meeting a requirement or checking off a list of rules—it’s about living in a natural overflow of His love and grace. When we remain connected to the vine, the fruit comes as a byproduct of a relationship, not an obligation.
Overflow is the natural result of abiding in Jesus. Our actions, love, and the restoration of hope are not driven by obligation, but by the abundance of God’s love flowing through us.3 The more we remain in Christ, the more we experience His abundance, and this overflows into every area of our lives.
How do we live each day with the understanding that our life is meant to overflow with the love, peace, and joy that Jesus provides? Let His presence in you be the source of all that you do, and rest in the fact that you don’t have to strive for fruit—it will come as you stay connected to Him.
You Rely on Discipline, Not Deliverance
"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love." (John 15:10)
Discipline in our walk with Jesus is not about legalism or earning His love. It’s about choosing to remain in His love through obedience. Discipline requires willingness, as spiritual growth cannot be imposed. Jesus modeled the way by abiding in His Father’s commandments, and we are called to do the same. Relying on discipline means making daily choices to remain in His Word and obey His commands, rather than seeking a quick fix or momentary deliverance especially when it is difficult.4 Some simply want deliverance on demand. They want to live according to their own will and expect their loving Father to bail them out at every turn, when in fact it is those very trials that produce in us fruit that remains.5
Discipline is the foundation for a lasting, fruitful relationship with God. Jesus does not drag, He invites. In Matthew 4:19 is Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It's about committing to a steady walk with Him, trusting that the fruit will come through consistent, faithful discipline. How do we Embrace discipline in our walk with God? Don’t look for shortcuts or immediate solutions, but trust that consistent obedience to His Word, prayer, and daily surrender will bring lasting fruit and transformation. Keep choosing Him, one day at a time.
“Our habits are more defining than our highlights”
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” —Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." —Romans 15:13
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." —Hebrews 12-11
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." —James 1:2-4