working definition

The last months I've grown a fascination with the language and it's adaptation through time and geography and culture. Increasingly, I've been a part of discussions on language being dynamic: words ever change and therefore are in regular need of redefinition.

Though there are many ways this can happen, one I see especially prevalent is over-use of a word or phrase to the point of meaning pollution. At this point the word effectively becomes more of a cultural (or sub-cultural) staple rather than a word with actual meaning. It is, as if, there is a point where language tips from having a real definition with rich imagery and meaningful associated practices to being a word we use because we're used to saying it.

Naturally, I am most aware of this within the Christian sub-culture and am painfully present to how many of our words just don't make sense outside this context. But rather than tear down words and stop using them, I like to reinvent them, redefine them. That way, they're rich to me, full of meaning, and a discovery to invite others into.

One of the words that nearly lost meaning for me is disciple, a word thrown-around a fair bit in expressly Christian circles. My working definition of a disciple is someone who postures their life to listen to Jesus and faithfully respond over time.

(I stole this definition from Ken Primrose and the entire Norman Community Church. Ken goes on to define faithfulness as sincerity + time)

What's your working definition of a disciple?