The rules are pretty
simple, what ever the leader does-the FollowersAustralia must mimic the leader's movements or they are out of the game.
It's a fun, simple and quick game that even a little child can play. What many
fail to see is that they need to play "Follow the Leader" for the
rest of their lives. One of the statements that Jesus repeatedly made during
His time on Earth was, "Follow Me." (Matthew 4:19, Matthew 8:22,
Matthew 9:9, Matthew 19:21, Luke 9:59, John 21:22) These two words, though they
sound simple, can actually be hard to do. What exactly does it mean to
"follow"? There are many definitions: "move behind in the same
direction" or "to accept the authority of and give allegiance
to." Christ urged this directive "Follow Me" to His disciples
and to those who asked to accompany Him. As human beings, we have the
independent ability to freely make our choices, granted some choices are not
wise and we suffer the consequences. However, if one follows Christ, the unwise
choices that were made can be forgiven if one will ask. By following Christ
it's easier to stay on the path of everlasting life. can make it difficult to
enter the Kingdom of Heaven. However, if one follows Jesus, he or she will not
get lost and will enter into the gateway of eternal life.
The first time that
Jesus spoke the words, "Follow Me" was to His future disciples, Peter
and Andrew. As He walked by the Sea of Galilee and saw them fishing, He said,
"Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men..." (Matthew 4:19-20)
The most amazing part of this story is that the Bible says that both men
immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. The actions of these future
disciples are quite indicative of how believers should live their life after
turning their life over to God. The disciples no longer gave sin credence in
their lives and started a new journey with Christ. How hard is it for new
believers to turn aside from their old lifestyle and leave behind the
drunkenness, gossiping, fornication, adultery, etc.? Stopping sinful behavior
to truly follow Jesus may be easier said than done, but if you lean on the
words of Jesus- you can achieve His gift of salvation.
During another time, a
man told Jesus that he needed to bury his father before he started following
Him and Jesus told the man, "Follow me and let the dead are spiritually
alive follow the Living God. The truth of the matter is that people come up
with countless excuses as to why they shouldn't change their lifestyle in order
to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Nevertheless, one just needs to remember that
the wages of sin are death (Romans 6:13). The scripture continues "...but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Christ extends
His hand in love, for He is well aware of the spiritual battle we face in our
daily life. He offers, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Our burdens are heavy on our
mind and body, what a priceless gift to have the Son of God offer our souls
rest. Not to mention, in following Jesus and giving your allegiance to Him, the
fruits of the Holy Spirit-love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are exclusively available to you
(Galatians 5:22).
As one lives in this
worldly world full of temptation and wickedness, entering the narrow gate isn't
effortless. How does one stay on the straight and narrow path? One cannot do it
solo; not only does one need to follow Jesus, but cling to his undying love and
promises. There will be times when one feels the need to stray onto the wide
path of temptation. Take heed and remember when facing these arrows that life
throws at you, Jesus said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER
FORSAKE YOU," (Hebrews 13:5) One of my favorite songs is Follow Me. The
lyrics are sang from the perspective of Jesus exhorting many to follow Him,
"Now the road may not be easy, Don't you know I promise, I will never take
a moment and listen to Maurette Brown Clark's song and Follow Him.
For more information
please visit : Followers Australia.
No comments:
Post a Comment