Discipleship has to do with what a believer is before what he does. To reverse the order will be to court disaster. To ignore either will be to destroy true Christianity. Both the character and behaviour of the Christian are important. Our emphasis in this book is upon the Christian character since from it arises the Christian's behaviour. The Christian life is "hidden with Christ" (Col. 3:3). Union with Christ leads to everlasting life, spiritual strength, and ultimate safety. What the world sees of the Christian is only the tip of the iceberg, the bulk of his true self being hidden from physical sight. Many are the internal struggles of the Christian, known only to himself and God. Despite these, the true disciple of Christ can sing often, "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).