What Following Jesus is About
What Following Jesus is About
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24
How many times have we heard this verse, yet are still unable to comprehend what following Jesus is all about?
Love
A whole lot of love. God is love, so it’s not surprising that as Christians are commanded to love Christ with their whole hearts and to love others as we love ourselves. Showing the love of Christ begins with graciously receiving the love that Christ has commended towards us. While we love others sincerely, deeply, and constantly knowing that we are already fully loved, so loved, that Christ died for us, so that we could have eternal life and hope in this life. Now we can live loving others, because we have a Father who is always loving us!
Change
Following Jesus involves a lot of heart change. A true change of heart is evidence that we are true followers of Jesus. We have a change of mindset that affects our daily lifestyle. A change from wanting revenge to wanting to love. Change from living comfortably to living called.
Purpose
Everything has a purpose. Every single thing has the potential to be a form of worship that honors Christ. We have purpose, because our true identity is found in the Giver of Life. In living out the purpose and plan that God has in store, we can point others to the cross. We reflect the steadfast love & character of Christ.
“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” There is so much purpose in every day.
Communication
God created us to enjoy the presence of others, including his. When we invite Him into our lives, we open ourselves to a real relationship with the Lord. In order to truly honor Jesus, you must spend time with Him. When we choose to invite Christ into our everyday life by worshiping, reading his word, or praying, we fulfill our purpose in glorifying God in all that we do. Rely on Him, and he will guide you.
“Christians have forgotten that the ministry of listening has been committed to them by Him who is Himself the great listener and whose work they should share. We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Obedience
As we communicate with our Heavenly Father, we will learn to recognize his voice. There will be times when He corrects us and calls us in a different direction. The Good Shepherd leads his sheep, and the sheep ought to obey, lest they fall. We obey regardless of the circumstances, even when it’s difficult. Abraham came to a critical crossroads in his life, and by following God’s voice, he made the right decision. As a result, he was made the Father of nations. Obey in the big and the little. Choosing calling over comfort.
In conclusion, there are so many other things we could consider. However, these five points are a great foundation to having a wonderful walk with Jesus. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) If we draw near to Christ, he has promised to come nigh unto us! Take the plunge into salvation into an unforgettable experience!
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