A lot of people say they are a Christian – a follower of Jesus. I don’t want to judge by appearance, but many talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Ghandi was once asked by a friend, “If you admire Christ so much, why don’t you become a Christian?” He replied, “When I meet a Christian who is a follower of Christ, I may consider it.”
Following Jesus is not just a one time decision, it is a redirection of an entire life.
Then he [Jesus] called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ -Mark 8:34
Jesus was a lot more honest than most modern preachers. He fully explained the cost of being one of His followers. And what He expected of His followers, He displayed openly.
So what does it mean to follow Jesus? What is the cost?
1. A Denial you must Practice – Deny Self
To deny self means to say ‘No” to ourself. It means we can no longer be the center of our lives. It strikes right at the heart of our very existence. The one thing that we value, covet, & protect above anything else is the right to make decisions for ourselves. We are the “ME” generation. We take ‘selfies.’
But self-denial is not easy. We all have things we want. But Christ is clear that when we choose to follow Him, we must deny ourselves. That means you can’t always do what you want to do. This means that you will face tough, life-changing decisions that need to be made. This doesn’t mean that you’ll be deprived of joy and happiness; rather it means that you find fulfillment & joy & happiness through following Jesus. Denial of self is placing yourself in the hands of God at all times, no matter where His hands might lead you.
2. A Death you must Permit – Carry Cross
When Jesus said, “Take up your cross” the cross wasn’t a beloved symbol like it is today. It was big, ugly device of torture that conveyed a message of shame, suffering, & death.
When facing difficult circumstance, people often say, “I guess that’s a cross I have to bear.” They’re speaking about situations that, given the choice, they wouldn’t choose. When we suffer from sickness, disease, & discouragement it’s a horrible misfortune, but it’s not bearing a cross.
Bearing our cross is a choice. It is a voluntary sacrificial obedience that identifies us completely with Jesus. Bearing our cross is something we deliberately take up and bear. Many rather wear a cross than bear a cross.
Are you a committed or casual follower of Jesus? Committed followers are cross-bearers; casual followers seek an easier way. Committed followers seek holiness; casual followers seek happiness. Committed followers seek to please God in all they do; casual followers live as close to the edge as they can.
3. A Direction you must Pursue – Follow Jesus
We were created to follow. We will all follow something or someone. Christ calls us to follow Him. Not some creed, ritual, or custom; but follow Him wherever He leads us.
Following Christ is a relationship that drives & defines all we are to do. It would be dull & boring if it were nothing but rules to keep & duties to maintain. Like marriage, we don’t find joy in the institution of marriage. What would motivate me to change diapers, help clean up, endure crowded aisles in a grocery store, or to be faithful? It is a relationship!
If your Christianity is dull & boring, if it’s a burden & not a blessing, then most likely your involved in a project, not a Person; a system, not a Savior; rules, rather that a relationship.
Why would I choose to follow Jesus if it means self-denial and bearing a cross? I’ll answer it in one statement: Because He did it for me. Jesus denied His own rights; He died an agonizing death on the cross; and the direction He followed was His Father’s will.
Will you decide to follow Jesus?