Following Jesus

Recently, I have been quite taken with the idea of viewing being a Christian as following Jesus. There are some good reasons for this. First, it’s personal. A Christian isn’t someone who is simply trying to follow the rules. He isn’t even trying to be especially religious. He’s working at following this person, listening to what He has to say and then submitting to that. He follows Jesus. Second, it’s clear that doing this following is a matter of the heart. A person can’t claim to be following Jesus simply because he behaves in a certain way. Following Jesus is a matter of giving Him the rights to your heart. Thus the disciples’ prayer: ‘Whatever You want me to do is fine with me. Just tell me what it is and please give me the ability to do it.’ That’s so much more than just trying to act in some prescribed way. Third, though following Jesus is a matter of the heart, it stills show in one’s behavior. When Jesus speaks to one of His followers, the response of that follower can usually be seen in his behavior. If Jesus tells a husband to love his wife, and explains in greater detail than before what that means, that husband’s behavior will be affected. Though the key is still his heart, this husband’s behavior will change and that in ways that will be seen – at least by his wife. If Jesus calls someone to trust Him more deeply than before, obedience to that will also show. It might not show in a complete absence of anxiety – we all have need of growth – but it will show in less anxiety and more peace than before.

Behind this, of course, is one of the five membership questions. ‘Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance on the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?’ Every communicant member has vowed to work at following Jesus. It’s good to be reminded what that means.