Following Jesus

July 24, 2018 | By Chuck

Much has been said about following Jesus, and honestly, there is no other topic worthy of so much attention. The topic of following Jesus does bring discussion, speculation and even disagreements. I totally understand the discussion because following Jesus is the single most important decision one will ever make. The speculation and disagreements that at times follow this topic are a little more confusing to me. It seems to me that Jesus is very clear about what it takes to follow Him. "Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" (Lk.14:25-26). As harsh as His words may seem to be, Jesus is not really asking His followers to hate their family members. Jesus simply desires that we love Him more. Jesus deserves and so desires to be our number one. He wants to be our top priority in life, even above our family members and ourselves. All of this requires from the Jesus follower a sold-out commitment. Following Jesus goes far deeper than twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday evening. Following Jesus calls for you and I to be committed to Him all day every day for the rest of our lives. "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Lk.9:23).