Discipleship or Rebellion

In Matthew 28: 18-20 Jesus tells his apostles that He has all authority and that they are to make disciples. He has made disciples of them; they are to make disciples of others. He instructs them to baptize the disciples that they make, and to teach them to observe everything that Jesus has commanded them. This passage shows that some people make disciples of others. It is not a process solely between Jesus and an individual. For a genuine believer discipleship is not optional. Was this command given only to the original apostles? Paul instructs Timothy to instruct what Paul has told him to "faithful men who will teach others also." ( 2 Timothy 2:2 ESv) Peter tells his readers to "remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord and Savior through your apostles." ( 2 Peter 3:2) Does the mere act of attending a "Bible believing church" and listening to the Word of God being taught on a regular basis sufficient? James says "Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." ( James 1:22) When we examine how Jesus ministered to his disciples or Paul to men like Timothy or Titus, we see this discipleship is all encompassing. The disciplemaker is showing through his life how the disciple can become more like Jesus. The reality that we will not be perfected in this life ( 2 Cor. 3:18) shows that the necessity of discipleship is life long. If we truly want to be like Jesus, conformed to His image ( Romans 8:29, cf. Gen. 1:26) then we will desire someone to help us. Some will go this far and want a mentor who will give them advice if they ask. A crucial difference between mentoring and discipleship is accountability. The disciples of Jesus were accountable to Him as were Paul's to him. Jesus has all authority and Paul speaks of the authority that he has been given. ( 2 Cor. 10:8, 13:10) Paul commands his disciple Titus to "declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." ( Titus 2:15 ESV). This accountability is where most believers, no matter how mature they may be or think that they are, get off the boat. They are simply unwilling to be accountable to anyone. Now I grant that God uses deeply flawed human beings to accomplish His purposes on the earth. This is because He has no other kind to use. I also recognize that authority can be and is abused. I have experienced this personally. The command of Jesus still stands. The choice is ours. Will we submit to discipleship or be "Christian" rebels?