Follow Me …

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:27

When Jesus says, Follow me, it’s far more than a simple invitation to walk behind Him. And it’s more than Bible study.  It means transformation. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with His teachings and example and embracing His values as our own. It signifies a willingness to leave behind old ways and habits and commit to Him above all other influences. Ultimately, this reshapes our priorities, actions, and identity. 

When Jesus invited his disciples to follow him, they:

  • left their boats and nets (their identity & livelihood)
  • began to obey his other commands (leaving aside their priorities)
  • began to learn from Him (beginning to leave their own opinions)
  • began to imitate Him (beginning to leave their self-righteousness)

Jesus calls people to follow Him for several reasons. Principally, it was an invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God, to live under God’s rule in a way that brings life, hope, and healing to the world. Jesus was initiating a movement that would spread God’s love and grace to every corner of the earth. Jesus was teaching them how to live out the values of the Kingdom both in their personal lives and community with others.

Jesus’ call to Follow me was also about forming a community of believers who would support one another, learn together, and grow in faith. This communal aspect of discipleship is crucial, as it reflects the relational nature of God Himself. In following Jesus together, disciples are equipped and empowered to continue His mission in the world, spreading the good news of God’s love and salvation.

Following Jesus means Imitating Jesus. Following Jesus is about doing the things that he would do, having the values that he would have. It’s about daily making the choice to live in a way that honours Him, impacts the world positively, and brings us into a deeper relationship with God.

Can you Follow Him?

ALL IN …

” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Clearly, every Christian should do what Paul calls for in this text. But WHY Christians should act accordingly is of utmost importance to God. God does not judge men on outward appearances but on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God is concerned that our actions stem from righteous attitudes and motives. 

Paul’s opening to Chapter 12 is a call to action built on the foundation of his teaching in the first eleven chapters. He challenges us to commit to Christ, not just by knowing about Him but by living a life that shows we know Jesus as a redeemer, saviour, and Lord.

During a recent small group discussion on commitment, we were asked if we were ALL IN when it came to being followers of Christ. Our first thoughts were, of course, and then we were asked to rethink our answer in light of this analogy: 

Image being part of a meeting hosted by your commanding officer (boss). The CO gives a brief overview of his vision and asks, Are you all in? Everyone present answers YES, but how many mean it? There are generally three types of YES responses from the group. 

  1. YES MEN – those who endorse or support every opinion or proposal of a superior.  These individuals are eager to praise or obey because it allows them to avoid thinking for themselves or committing to what is proposed. 
  2. DOUBTER – those who refuse to accept without personal proof. They nod their heads in agreement but inwardly run through all scenarios where the ideas seem weak. They know about their boss but still do not know him. 
  3. COMMITTED – those who believe without knowing or even understanding all the details because they trust their leader and their vision.  

Some obey God out of guilt, and others out of greed or self-interest. God invites us on His mission to take the Gospel to the lost as fully committed followers. Our activity is not an accurate measurement of our commitment as it is not what we do or don’t do that God desires but our heart’s connection to Him (Hosea 6:6). He wants us to be ALL IN now, even if we don’t fully understand what He has in store for us. 

Are you ALL IN? 

The truth is clear

Many of us start our day standing in front of a mirror, preparing ourselves to face the world. We stand staring, fixing and adjusting this and erroneously believe we are looking at the image that the world will see. However, when we are standing toe-to-toe with the world, they do not see the mirror reflection – they see the reversed image. What do I mean? When we look in the mirror, we will note that our left eye is directly across from the mirror image of our left eye. However, when someone is facing us, our left eye is across from their right eye. They do not see the mirror image precisely us, but they know the image that we take into the world. Does that make a difference? Do they not see the same impression we meant to present? 

Perception is a combination of chemical reactions in our brain and body that transforms whatever is presented to it into an image or idea with which we can connect. Reality is the exact situation; a mirror image should be reality. My right eye is weaker than my left, so I often mess up the right sideburn when I shave, making it longer or shorter than the left. Even though I look at the exact image I shave, my weakness affects my perception, which suggests people will see equal-length sideburns. Depending on how people face me or how I hold my head during the day, the different lengths may not be noticed, but that does not change the reality that there is a difference. My skewed perception of things could change how I present myself, thereby tainting people’s perception of me. 

Sideburn length will not impact our world, but how we share Jesus could. We can share Him by using words or with our actions. Telling people about Jesus is different than showing people Jesus with our actions. Sharing Jesus is also different based on whether we share our perception or experience. Some Christ followers cannot speak to friends or family about God without sounding like they are speaking another language. They struggle to take a basic tenant of our faith and share it with others, possibly because they may never have experienced the truth behind the words. They may not have felt a sense of peace during a family tragedy or gratitude for a blessing. They will have read about these experiences and lovingly try to share their perception of what it would be like. They often can not do so because they have not called on Jesus and found Him. Their perception of Jesus’ love can come across as different from its reality. 

The scripture verse at the start of this article is probably the best-known and quoted verse amongst Christ’s followers – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believed in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16. This verse tells us that God loves all of us and has offered eternity based on His sacrifice. It has become a slogan or catchphrase of Christianity and is repeated often, but how many people know what it means? If we do not have personal encounters with Jesus, then when we speak words such as these, they won’t come across as we desired or even as God desired. If we speak and live without the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit, those hearing our words will most likely ignore them or deem them confusing and unintelligible. Despite our imperfections that cause us to share our faith based on our perception of scripture, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to make biblical truths a reality. As harsh as it may sound, the truth found in the bible can be the mirror image of the truth we live. 

God can clarify His truth if we desire to live it. Christianity is not a slogan but a relationship with Jesus. It’s a daily interactive journey in which Jesus should be on our minds no matter what is happening around us. When we walk like that, we can share what we experience, not what we have heard or read. 

Look around …

“Good morning, how do you do? I hope you are well today. The sun is shining, the sky is blue. The apples are ripe and are ready for you. Good morning, how do you do?”

Yesterday was our (Miramichi) coldest day of this season. As I sat by a warm fireplace looking out into my backyard, those lyrics came to my mind. I was taught those words while in kindergarten and was surprised at how and why I remembered. I heard these words many years ago when a nap, milk and cookies made my day. We have all experienced hearing a melody and immediately taken to a time when this song had some meaning. At that time in my life, I had no worries, no fears and certainly no real idea as to how harsh the world could be. But today, as I look out into the cold world (both figuratively and literally) I feel at ease because I know God is in control.  

Looking at my own post-card-perfect view, I am reminded of the verse, For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20.

Take some time today to slow down, look around and count your blessings. 

The story goes on … 

As Joshua set out on the journey into the Promised Land, he knew that the people he was about to lead were more than likely afraid of what lay ahead. However, before they started, Joshua was given his marching orders from God, who reminded Him that He had promised more and that He was going to be with them. God wanted the people to remember where they had come from and that their story did not end at Moses’ death but continued because of His promise. 

Too often, we forget we are part of the story where God loves us so much, he sent His son as a sacrifice so we can participate in His promises. I find it helpful to reflect on my place in the story by asking myself:  

1.    What was my prayer experience like today?

2.    What areas of my life did God touch?

3.    How did I experience God’s grace today?

4.    Did I cooperate with God today?

5.    What did I not bring openly to Him today?

6.    What do I need to confess?

7.    What is changing in me as I listen to God?

8.    What attitudes am I experiencing as I relate to others?

How do you convince someone to clean a toilette? 

In the late 1970s, I was part of a peacekeeping force in Ismailia, Egypt. Our camp was not austere, but some basic amenities were unlike home. Our toilets, for example, were an ancient version of a porta-potty. Yet, despite the searing heat, they did not smell as bad as you’d expect. Each day, an elderly Egyptian gentleman would guide his donkey and honey bucket supplies to the different latrines around the camp for cleaning. By anyone’s definition, it was not a dream job, but he performed his duties seemingly without complaint. 

Many assume that work is a product of the fall. Before sin entered the world, humanity was designed to work even in the perfect world. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it”, Genesis 2:15. God created humanity to work from the beginning. Work is a gift from God, not a curse. God told Adam that the ground would be cursed, meaning humanity would no longer have easy access to the provisions they had in the garden. By the sweat of their brow, they would have to work hard to get those provisions. However, we must not forget God still provided the means for Adam and Eve to be successful in their work. They had skills, talents and all the natural resources needed to live in the world, just as He provides us today. Our attitude toward work can be a product of the fall because sin has stained how we view work. 

Instead of viewing it as a gift, we may see it as a punishment that is an unfortunate requirement for survival. Ask the average person on the street what work means, and they will answer in some form that it is a means of survival and provision. It’s how you get a comfortable house, a nice car, and daily essentials like food and clothing. When we view work this way, our motivation is misguided, and everything we do suffers.

The apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:22-24, Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

We work for God, not to please man. We work because our Creator works, and we’re made in his image to reflect him. Our work ethic should point men to God, not us. Any time we attempt to rob God of his glory; we consequently rob ourselves of joy because we make ourselves slaves to the opinions of humanity. Paul encourages us to work “for the Lord and not for men”. Our motivation to work should reflect God’s character and commands. As bearers of his image, we work because our Creator works. We are created to be overseers of God’s creation and worship God when we choose to do so. When we work to serve God, we are aware He is intimately present with us workers, and we are not alone because we are co-labourers with God.

I do not know what motivated that Egyptian gentleman to clean latrines, but he seemed to reconcile the work conditions with the reality that chores needed to be done by someone. We, however, should be motivated by the truth that we are image bearers created to rule, to partner with God to draw out the earth’s potential and unleash it for human flourishing. We should work in cooperation with God to build a civilization where his people can thrive in his presence.

A divine appointment story … 

(I share this story not to brag or suggest how holy I am, but to share an example of how God responds when we ASK, SEEK and KNOCK and are READY.)

Recently, I offered to take my wife out to breakfast. We had just finished our morning prayers, which included “nudge us when there is an opportunity to share your (Jesus’) love with someone”. We planned to go into town, which required a right turn at the end of the driveway. As we reached the end of the driveway, we both felt compelled to go left to a restaurant twice the distance from our home. Soon after heading in that direction, we noticed a teenage boy walking on the side of the road wearing only a t-shirt and jeans. We knew something was wrong, so we stopped and spoke to him. We saw that he was also crying. We invited him into the car and offered to drive him wherever he wanted (he commented his mother said he should not accept rides with strangers). We chatted a little in the car as we went to his destination, approximately 40 km from where we picked him up. He would not have gone far in the winter conditions. 

When we arrived at his friend’s house, he insisted we drop him off and he’d be OK. He jumped out, poorly dressed, to knock on his friend’s door. We waited a few minutes, but no one answered the door, so we offered to take him to breakfast with us, and he accepted. I also gave him an extra coat I “happened” to have in the car. 

As we ate, we chatted and found out he had argued with his mother and left the house. He was very emotional and took off without a coat or a plan. He was a very polite young man who did not speak ill of his family situations. We reminded him that he was loved, even though it may not seem like it when arguments occur. We purposely dragged out the meal, hoping he would accept our offer to drive him home or call his mother at a minimum.   

After breakfast, we drove back to His friend’s house, and after noticing fresh tracks in his friend’s driveway, we left him. We gave him our cell number on a slip of paper and told him to call us if he needed assistance. After one last attempt to get him to call his mother, we drove home. As we drove home, we felt uncomfortable leaving him but reminded ourselves that we had prayed, placing him in God’s hand to look after him – and how we trusted that prayer.  

My wife and I spoke later that day about the situation, going over how we had prayed differently that morning, how we had been nudged to turn left, encountering the young man, having an extra coat in the car, and having an opportunity to talk and care for him for over an hour. We praised God for looking after him. 

The story didn’t end there; later that day, the young man called to tell us he was at home and thanked us for looking after him. His mother then spoke with my wife and thanked her for caring for her foster son. The tracks we had seen in his friend’s driveway were from her and a police cruiser who were looking for him. She ended the conversation by sharing that she knew us and praised God for sending His children to look after her child. 

ASK, SEEK and KNOCK and be READY

Divine appointments … 

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

How often have you prayed, asking to be the feet and hands of Jesus? Numerous Bible passages remind you that being part of the Body of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, you are appointed to do work just as Jesus did. You want to reach out with love, kindness, and truth to make a difference in someone’s life. Yet, you feel incomplete when you head out with a plan to be part of Missio Dei (A Latin Christian theological term meaning the ‘mission of God,’ or the ‘sending of Go’). For some reason, your efforts didn’t go as you expected. You watch and imitate others but don’t experience similar results or a warm and fuzzy feeling. Have you wondered why? 

May I suggest two common reasons:

(1) You forget you are on God’s mission, not God invited to be on yours, and

(2) You forget, although you are created in the image of God to interact as God does, you have personality, skills, talents, intelligence and endowed with Spiritual Gifts unique to you.   

God know how things will work out and has prepared you to do good work. But we often feel we have a better idea expecting God to buy in. 

Years ago, the president of our MCF introduced several of us to the concept of Divine Appointments. A divine appointment is when God arranges for someone to witness or provide for another person at the appropriate moment. The Bible shares these as God-planned situations or occurrences that He uses to accomplish His goals or bring about particular effects in the lives of people or communities. Divine Appointments are vital for followers of Christ, for when we seek them, they mould our perception of our calling to join God on His mission to share and be His truth with those around us. 

Do you pray about being the hands and feet but are neither ready nor attentive to the appointment God places in front of you? Jesus shared, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). Jesus also shared, If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)

You ASK, SEEK and KNOCK, but are you READY? 

Go into your closet … 

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” Luke 5:16

I am not sure what busyness was like in Jesus’ time, but He found it necessary to isolate himself from His followers and spend time alone with His Father. Since He was God, I imagine He wouldn’t need to go to a lonely spot. He could shut His eyes and close off the world around Him. However, He was a man and a teacher who taught and showed us that it is important to be alone with God. 

Do you have a personal prayer closet? Do you have somewhere in or outside your home to be alone with your thoughts and God? Do you have a place where you can pray and where there will be no disturbances or distractions from computers, phones, and even family? If you don’t, you owe it to yourself and God to find such a place. We all need a place to be isolated from the world to talk and listen to God. 

In our weekly posts, we have talked about praying upon awakening or before bed, praying with others, and praying for ourselves and others throughout the day as good and bad circumstances arise. However, we have not spoken enough about the prayer practice recorded in Luke 5:16 that even Jesus found necessary: the quiet, alone time prayer. 

What does your alone prayer time look like? Where do you go, what time will you start, and how can you ensure you will not be interrupted? Consider creating this habit if you do not have a quiet time or location. Don’t take your bible or a writing pad with you. Let this be alone time with God and not a time to study scripture or make notes. Use it as a time for prayer and nothing else. Make it a time to listen to the Holy Spirit and pray for what He puts on your heart. Listen to God. 

It is rare to hear from God when busy or surrounded by noise and distractions. Put the world aside for a few minutes daily, withdraw to a lonely place, and pray. 

Love others … 

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if …

Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1844 when the British explored and re-evaluated past Christmas traditions, including carols and newer customs such as Christmas cards and trees (Wikipedia). Ironically, we have been experiencing similar unrest regarding Christmas over the past few years. The season has become more secular and hedonistic and less about being thankful. People do tend to show some charity during this season. But it has become a less involved type where we ride on the coattails of businesses running toy and food drives instead of people connecting personally with those in their community who our presence could bless. Dickens noticed that society had become less concerned about the misery around them and focused on self-happiness. Any signs of charity during Christmas faded within days, and the disenfranchised were put aside for another year.  

A poignant line in A Christmas Carol occurs in a conversation between Scrooge and the Ghost of his partner, Marley. Scrooge suggests Marley died following worldly standards and was a good man of business, to which Marley howls, “Business!” cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were all mine.”

Paul’s words to the Philippian church do not suggest we occasionally care for each other, but it should be a part of our lifestyle. Eugene Peterson’s translation shares it this way, “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favour: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front or sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand”.

Humanity is our business. The business of God is to bring the Good News of restoration, forgiveness, and salvation to His creation. He has invited those who believe in Jesus to join Him on the mission and make humanity our business.

Enjoy and celebrate Christmas. If possible, break bread with your family; if not, call them up. But don’t forget, we are blessed to bless others.