There is no difference between a Christian and a disciple. A Christian is a disciple. The Bible says that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26). The two words refer to the same people.
However, there is a difference between a disciple and an admirer or a fan of Jesus.
An admirer of Jesus likes the teachings of Jesus as long as the teachings do not require then to change. Whereas a disciple lives by every teaching of Jesus.
An admirer is very happy to receive a blessing from Jesus but is unwilling to speak boldly about Jesus around people that are offended by Jesus. Whereas a disciple of Jesus, is confident that if anyone would meet Jesus, they would be greatly blessed and as such can’t help telling about all good things Jesus has done in them and for them.
An admirer, is always asking Jesus to do things for them and they sometimes get offended when there is a delay. A disciple is always asking what Jesus would have them do? The disciple is ever so grateful to be accepted as a disciple of Jesus. They are content to serve Jesus.
An admirer wants Jesus to make his life better. A disciple is amazed about how much they have in Christ Jesus already.
An admirer is not far from the Kingdom of God. A disciple is in the Kingdom. (Mark 12:34).
An admirer has many goals, ambitions, preferences, rights etc. A disciple has only one focus and goal. The one focus of the disciple is to do the commandment of Jesus to make disciples of all nations.
An admirer may claim to be a disciple or a Christian, but that does not make them so. A disciple may behave sometimes like an admirer but they get convicted by the Holy Spirit and repent in tears of sorrow (Matt 26:75).
An admirer calls a disciple a fanatic when the disciple makes the decision to leave everything to follow Jesus. A disciple is so happy to be called by Jesus that they gladly leave all to follow.
An admirer wants to follow Jesus with only minimal change to their lives. A disciple consciously accepts that their old life is dead and they receive a new one as slaves of righteousness.
Are you a disciple or an admirer? The Lord knows those that are his (2Tim 2:19). I have been convicted by the Holy Spirit many times that I am behaving like an admirer. I have repented each time and enjoyed greater fellowship with Jesus each time. I encourage you to repent if you are being convicted!