At a recent women’s Bible study I attend, the question was
asked, “In your own words, describe what you think it means to be a follower of
Christ?” Hmm. Good question. Really, what does it mean to follow Jesus? Does
simply asking Jesus into your heart make you a follower? Does going to church
on Sunday and attending Bible studies make you a follower? Does putting NOTW
bumper stickers on your car and Christian tattoos on your body make you a
follower? Do we ever really stop and ask ourselves, “Why do I believe what I
believe and am I fully devoted and living out what I believe?”
The Bible is full of examples of people who have gone before
us and lived their lives in faith and devotion. Abraham was devoted to God and
laid down his own personal plans for his life for the plans that God had for
him. (Genesis 12:1-9) Caleb and Joshua spoke up in faith when everyone else
around them was afraid to trust the Lord. (Numbers 13-14:1-10) David is known
for many great things, but I believe the most important one is that he was a
man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) When Jesus came to
earth, His disciples left their families and life as they knew it and followed
Him. (Matthew 4:18-22, 10:1-42, 19:27-30)
So what about us? Where do we line up? While every
individual’s walk with the Lord is unique to them, a few basic principles can
be applied to every believer’s life. First of all, start off by trading the
life you have in mind for yourself for the life Jesus has for you. Secondly,
let go of control and trust Him in all things. Next, make it a habit to seek
Him daily. And finally, determine in your heart to put Jesus first and foremost
before any other thing or person in your life. If you apply these principles,
your relationship with Jesus will only grow stronger. There is nothing greater
than knowing and following Jesus. It must be said, however, that it is a road
often marked with difficulties and heartache. But that being said, it is also
the most incredible love relationship you will ever experience.
Let’s all take a personal inventory of our heart and ask our
self, “Am I living for self or living for Jesus?”
Then Jesus called the
crowd and His followers to Him. He said, “Any of you who want to be My follower
must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to
carry the cross that is given to you for following Me. Any of you who try to
save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for Me and
for the Good News will save it. It is worth nothing for you to have the whole
world if you yourself are lost. You could never pay enough to buy back your
life. People today are so sinful. They have not been faithful to God. As you
live among them, don’t be ashamed of Me and My teaching. If that happens, I
will be ashamed of you when I come with the glory of My Father and the holy
angels.” Mark 8:34-38 ERV
Dina Pugh
