January 28, 2021
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. – John 12:26
Who do you know to be a true follower of Christ; a true servant to the King? We would like to think the answer to that question is easy enough to answer in ourselves. After all, we all have chosen Christ as our Lord and Savior, so we are surely followers of Christ; aren’t we? This is what we believe, yet when we read what Jesus says to those who say they want to follow him, we see that some are called to leave their family behind (Mk 1:17). Others are told to not wait till tomorrow (Mt 8:22). Others still, called to leave their job (Mk 2:14), or sell all they have, give the money to the poor, then follow (Mk 10:21). And all this is not to mention the most famous: “deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow me” (Mk 8:34).
When we think about each of these acts before following Christ, we find that we are way more comfortable following Christ as longs as it’s on our terms instead of His. Following Christ on our terms means we can stay where we are, we can choose where our money goes, we can remain with our families, and take care of the day to day practices of our lives. However, if we are following according to our terms Christ is not first and foremost. On our terms we are centering everything on the mantra of “what’s best for me and mine.” Yet, at the same time we might boisterously sing “I surrender all…”
If we are to read and adhere to the scriptural understanding of following Christ, then why do we only follow when it is convenient? Being a follower and disciple of Christ goes so much further than “faithfully participating in [the church’s] ministries by your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.” It is understanding that Christ is the head of the church, and we are the body, working together for the purpose of God’s kingdom. As Christians in today’s society we must stand out against the grain and place God’s kingdom first, at the top, before anything else. We are the church the body of Christ, and must support one another in the ministries of God’s kingdom. Think about that which God has done in your life, and ask whether you are truly following with an appropriate response. Beyond this, find joy in your discipleship and be truly blessed by following God’s presence in your life, for joy follows obedience to God’s promises.
Grace & Peace,
Sam