What do you believe it means to follow Christ? What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Do you understand what Jesus is asking of you? Have you read the guidance the apostles have written for you? Once you know, will it make a difference in your decisions?
Many who claim to be Christians don’t really follow what Jesus has commanded. They don’t follow the guidance of the apostles. In many ways, they are like people who want everything given to them without having to work for it. They don’t want to live as Jesus said we should live.
In the early church, meaning the first three to four hundred years, Christians considered the greatest honor being someone who was martyred. In contrast, today most Christians don’t want to face the least trial. They want it to be a bed of roses. At the first sign of someone poking fun at them or questioning if they are in touch with reality, they quickly deny Christ.
Make no mistake about it. It is hard to be counter cultural. Those who stand on the teachings of Christ are called old-fashioned, out of date, and often left behind by friends they have had for years. It is hard to be the one who doesn’t chase worldly desires. It can look like fun to be completely wild and crazy, not having a care in the world. Yet, all payments come due in time.
The Apostle Paul tells us to choose Jesus. He rightly tells us we will be gratified by Christ when the time is right. In fact, we will be rewarded, not only beyond what this world can offer, but beyond anything we can imagine. All that sparkles in this world will pale in comparison to what God has in store for us in eternity. Not only should we follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, but we should do so out of our love for Jesus.
I pray we all lay aside chasing after worldly desires. I pray we commit to following the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. I pray we put Jesus on and allow Him to guide our lives and provide all we need. Choose Jesus over the world. Commit to follow Jesus. Commit to following the apostles teaching. Do it all out of love for Jesus.
Romans 13:12b-14 Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Marty Pressey 