Come After Christ

Luke 9: 23-25 (ESV) “And he said to all. ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’”

There does seem to be a difference between the everyday believer and a person who has left all to follow Christ. Our typical believer never makes us feel uneasy about our beliefs. They are genuinely accepting of where we are in our Christian walk. They never wish to judge or confront anyone about their relationship with Christ. In fact, they hardly ever talk about Christ at all. Our determined disciple on the other hand always seem to make us feel uncomfortable about our interest in Christ. They are a little too edgy for the common Christian. Too often, these followers that show us true faith are the ones we shun.

Our present church setting is we must find our “ministry” and do it with passion. Sounds logical enough. However, the doing of a “ministry” does not have the same impact as being a follower of Christ who has denied his or herself and taken up their cross to walk the walk. The passion of denying ourselves and obedience to Christ comes with a price. Actually, a high price! When we put our heads down and work the work of ministry it is quite different from lifting our heads up, setting our sights on Christ, and walking the walk. The Church has called us to ministry. But Christ has called us to follow! Let me explain:

Luke 10: 38-42 (NASB) “Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’”

A life that is totally focused on Christ is a rich life! It is an abundant life! I have said this before; God does not need our help. He who created all things does not need any assistance or guidance. What He does want is our trust and obedience. He wants us to hunger and thirst for Him. Our goal should always be to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. We do this by leaving all to follow Christ.

Way too often we are burdened by notions and misconceptions of what following actually means. Sit at His feet. Listen to His words. Do what He says. Live that life first. We will have no fruit unless we do.  All the rest will fall into place.

Amen?