“Let God's truth shape your mind, stir your heart, refine your motives, and direct your actions.”
a discipleship framework developed by Raimer Rojas
Integrating Practicing the Way with the Holistic Discipleship
In the Gospels, we see Jesus trying to convince the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law that He is the Messiah. These Bible scholars knew the Scriptures inside and out, having memorized large portions and lived strict lives of righteousness, adhering to the letter of the Law. Yet, they were blind to the very Person to whom these prophecies pointed—Jesus the Son of God. Externally, their lives appeared flawless, but internally, their hearts were far from God, untouched by the transformative power of the Word they so diligently studied. How could such vast knowledge fail to bring about the heart transformation that Scripture emphasizes?
We too, like the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, can fail to embody the heart-impacting and life-changing message of Scripture if we embrace these truths only in certain aspects of our lives. This was a tension I recognized in my own journey, which eventually led me to develop a discipleship framework for an “embodied faith.”
I didn’t just want to know God’s truth; I wanted to live it out, aligning my thoughts and emotions with what I believed. I began challenging my feelings to match the hope I held and examining the motivations behind my actions, even if they seemed godly on the surface. Without examining my motives, I realized, I could easily deceive myself. This struggle to make my faith real and embodied inspired me to create a holistic discipleship framework. One morning, while on a walk, the term "embodied faith" came to me, marking the beginning of a model for spiritual growth that would integrate every aspect of a believer’s life.
This framework presents a holistic approach to spiritual growth by incorporating four key aspects, as captured by these Greek words: orthodoxy, orthopathos, orthopróthesis,* and orthopraxis. These elements reflect belief, emotion, motivation, and action, respectively, ensuring that discipleship is a full-body experience that transforms not just what we know, but how we live.
*Orthopróthesis is a made-up word I coined for this holistic discipleship framework, combining Greek word parts. > Orthopróthesis = right motivations and intents of the heart.Key Elements of the Framework
MIND > Orthodoxy (Right Belief)
This involves aligning one’s understanding and beliefs with the truth of Scripture. It forms the foundation by allowing God’s Word to shape our worldview.
Orthodoxy, or right belief, is the essential foundation of an embodied faith. It involves aligning one’s understanding with the truth of Scripture, ensuring that a disciple’s knowledge of God is accurate and reliable. Right belief serves as the bedrock upon which all other aspects of discipleship rest, guarding against subjective experiences or error. By developing a solid theological foundation rooted in the core teachings of the Christian faith, believers ensure that their faith is built on truth. This alignment with Scripture helps disciples understand who God is, what He commands, and how their beliefs should shape their walk with Christ.
These verses emphasize the importance of sound doctrine and belief in the truths of God as revealed in Scripture:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” - John 17:3
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” - Romans 10:9-10
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” - Titus 1:9
10 questions to guide self-reflection and self-examination on "right belief", helping you align every area of your life with God’s truth, heart, and Spirit:
Does what I believe align with the teachings of Scripture?
Am I regularly studying the Word to deepen my understanding of God’s truth?
Are there areas where my beliefs are influenced more by culture than by Scripture?
Do I know and trust the core doctrines of the Christian faith (e.g., salvation, the nature of God, the Gospel)?
How does my understanding of God shape my view of the world and my purpose?
Am I willing to let Scripture correct my thinking and challenge my assumptions?
Do I seek wisdom and discernment from the Spirit in interpreting Scripture?
How do I handle doubts or questions about my faith—do I take them to God or avoid them?
Am I allowing the truth of God’s Word to transform how I think and live?
Do my beliefs reflect the character and priorities of God revealed in Jesus?
HEART > Orthopathos (Right Emotion)
Discipleship goes beyond intellectual understanding; it involves heart transformation. This element emphasizes aligning feelings and emotions with God’s heart, fostering love, compassion, and humility.
Orthopathos, or right emotion, is crucial to an embodied faith because it moves discipleship beyond intellectual understanding to heart transformation. It is about letting God transform how we perceive and process life on an emotional level. It focuses on aligning our emotions with God’s heart, ensuring that love, compassion, and righteous responses flow from a biblical worldview. True faith doesn’t remain in the mind but stirs appropriate emotional reactions—like love for God, empathy for others, and grief over sin. By cultivating a heart that mirrors God’s love and justice, disciples are not only shaped by right beliefs but also moved to experience and express genuine emotional engagement in their walk with Christ.
These verses reflect the importance of aligning our emotions and desires with the heart and character of God:
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” - Romans 12:15
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” - Colossians 3:12
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” - Galatians 5:22-23
10 questions to guide self-reflection and self-examination on "right emotion", helping you align every area of your life with God’s truth, heart, and Spirit:
Do my emotions reflect the love, compassion, and joy of God?
How do I respond emotionally to injustice, sin, and brokenness in the world?
Am I cultivating gratitude, appreciation and joy in my relationship with God, even in difficult times?
Are my feelings about others marked by love, forgiveness, and grace, or by bitterness and judgment?
Do I grieve over sin and rejoice in God’s goodness and redemption?
How does my heart respond in worship—am I engaged or distracted?
Are there emotions like fear, anger, or envy that dominate my heart and need to be surrendered to God?
How often do I meditate on God’s character and allow it to shape my emotional responses?
Am I seeking the Spirit’s help to align my feelings with God’s heart and purposes?
Do I love others genuinely, as Christ loved me, or is my love conditional or self-focused?
MOTIVES > Orthopróthesis (Right Motivation)
True discipleship requires that our motivations be shaped by holy affections—deep desires formed by the Spirit that draw our hearts toward God in all we do. It’s not just about doing the right things, but loving what is right. When our hearts align with His will, our actions naturally flow from an inner transformation, driven by love for God and a desire to glorify Him, rather than self-interest, fleeting emotions, or fear.
Orthopróthesis*, or “right motivation,” is essential to a fully formed disciple. It ensures that our actions arise from a heart genuinely aligned with God’s will. Without right motivation, even good actions can be tainted by self-interest, fear, or the pursuit of human approval. True discipleship is not merely about right beliefs (orthodoxy), right emotions (orthopathos), or right actions (orthopraxis); it must also be driven by Spirit-wrought desires that shape our obedience from within.
Jonathan Edwards’ concept of "holy affections" helps clarify this truth. He emphasized that genuine faith is not just about intellectual agreement, emotional experiences, or outward obedience, but about having a heart deeply transformed by and inclined toward God. Holy affections—such as love for God, joy in Christ, and hatred of sin—ensure that what we do is not only right but also done for the right reasons. When the Spirit reshapes our affections, we do not merely perform righteous actions; we desire righteousness itself.
Right motivation guards against a faith rooted in fear, duty, or external pressure. Instead, it cultivates a life of integrity, where our deepest loves and desires propel us toward glorifying God in all we do. Discipleship is not just about what we do, but why and how we do it. When our motivations are formed by the Spirit, our pursuit of God’s will becomes both authentic and enduring, shaping a life marked by love, joy, and unwavering devotion to Him.
*orthopróthesis = right motivations or right intents of the heartThese verses focus on the heart’s intentions and motivations, reminding us to serve God out of love, gratitude, and sincere desire to glorify Him:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” - Colossians 3:23-24
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 6:1
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” -Psalm 19:14
10 questions to guide self-reflection and self-examination on "right motivation", helping you align every area of your life with God’s truth, heart, and Spirit:
Why am I doing what I’m doing—am I seeking to glorify God or myself?
Am I motivated by love for God and others, or by fear, pride, or selfish ambition?
Do I find joy and purpose in serving others, even when there’s no recognition?
How does my prayer life reflect my dependence on God’s guidance and strength?
Are my decisions shaped by a desire to honor God’s will or to gain approval from others?
Do I pursue good works with a heart of humility, recognizing my need for God’s grace?
Am I motivated to grow spiritually out of love for Christ or out of guilt and obligation?
Do I consistently check my intentions to ensure they align with God’s priorities and purposes?
How do I respond when my motives are questioned—am I open to correction or defensive?
Is my ultimate goal in all I do to glorify God, make Him known, and build His kingdom?
ACTION > Orthopraxis (Right Action)
The truth, emotions and motivations, shaped by Christ, must result in action. This aspect is about living out our internal transformation—what we believe, feel, and desire—through the way we live, serve, and treat others.
Orthopraxis, or right action, is vital to an embodied faith because true belief and right emotions, guided by holy desires must lead to lived-out practice. While the other three key parts shape our understanding, emotional responses, and yielded desires, orthopraxis ensures that these internal transformations are reflected in how we live, serve, and treat others. Faith isn’t just intellectual or emotional; it must manifest in our actions. When orthopraxis is driven by these other God-shaped key parts our actions align with God’s will, leading us to live out His commands with love and purpose. This prevents mere activism and instead fosters a faithful, Spirit-led life of service and obedience.
These verses highlight the importance of putting faith into action and living in obedience to God’s commandments:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” - James 1:22
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” - 1 John 3:18
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
10 questions to guide self-reflection and self-examination on "right action", helping you align every area of your life with God’s truth, heart, and Spirit:
Are my actions consistent with God’s commands in Scripture?
How do my daily choices reflect my faith and trust in God?
Am I serving others selflessly, as Christ calls me to?
Do I exhibit the fruits of the Spirit (e.g., love, joy, peace, patience) in how I live and interact with others?
Am I faithful in the small, unseen actions, knowing they matter to God?
Do I intentionally practice justice, mercy, and humility in my relationships and community?
Are there areas where my actions contradict my beliefs, and if so, how can I address them?
How do I respond to sin—do I repent and seek to change, or excuse my behavior?
Is my life a visible witness to the Gospel in how I love, serve, and act?
Am I consistently asking the Spirit for strength to act in alignment with God’s will?
This four-part discipleship framework provides a clear and comprehensive pathway for spiritual growth in a Bible-centered, Spirit-led church by integrating belief, emotion, motivation, and action into a holistic and transformative journey.
Providing a Clear Map for Growth: This framework serves as a structured map for spiritual development, guiding believers through a natural progression from right belief to heart transformation (right emotion), right motivation, and right action. By addressing each of these areas, it ensures a comprehensive and balanced approach to discipleship. The synergy of these elements reinforces spiritual growth, as each aspect deepens and strengthens the others. This integration illuminates every part of the disciple’s life, helping them grow in faith with clarity and purpose, ultimately leading to full alignment with God’s will.
Fostering a Balanced and Deepening Walk: In this holistic approach, these four key areas work together to cultivate a God-centered life. These elements mutually refine and balance each other, preventing distortions that arise from overemphasizing one aspect at the expense of others. Discipleship remains deeply rooted in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, with emotions that are ordered and centered on God’s desires. Engaging with each of these dimensions encourages believers to align their thoughts, emotions, motives, and actions with God’s truth. This framework fosters integrity and coherence, ensuring that discipleship is not fragmented but fully embodied, leading to consistent decision-making that honors God and reflects His character.
Relying on the Spirit’s Power: Authentic transformation requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. This framework acknowledges that true spiritual growth is not achieved by human effort alone but by the Spirit’s work through which our beliefs are deepened, our hearts are softened, our motivations are purified, and our actions align with God’s will. The Spirit empowers believers, leading them into deeper understanding, heartfelt devotion, and joyful obedience. As the Spirit renews us from the inside out, discipleship becomes more than a process—it becomes a journey of continual transformation marked by a living, vibrant faith.
Building a Culture of Growth: As the church embraces this holistic discipleship framework, it naturally fosters a culture of spiritual growth and maturity. This approach encourages believers to deepen their relationship with Christ, supporting one another as a family of God. Within this community, disciples lift up, strengthen, and challenge one another to live fully surrendered lives. This shared commitment nurtures a church family that embodies Christ’s love, unity, and purpose, encouraging every member to pursue a life that glorifies God and serves others.
This four-part discipleship framework offers a holistic path to an embodied faith that transforms every aspect of life. Through the synergy of this model, disciples are guided to grow deeply and authentically, as each aspect reinforces the others to create a balanced and God-centered walk. By relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human effort, this journey leads to true spiritual renewal, aligning every dimension of life with God’s will. As the church adopts this approach, it cultivates a thriving, unified community where believers actively support, encourage, and challenge one another toward maturity. Together, they become a body that fully reflects the love, purpose, and truth of the Gospel, bringing glory to God and blessing to others.
Memorable Phrases For A Holistic Discipleship Approach:
"Think rightly, feel deeply, desire purely, and act obediently—all for God's glory."
"Let God's truth renew, love ignite, desire align, and obedience follow."
“Let God's truth shape your mind, stir your heart, refine your motives, and direct your actions.”
Holistic Bible Study - A Bible Study method to go along with it.