How To Follow Jesus

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Steph Nickel reminds us that as Christians we should take up our crosses, lay down our lives, and deny ourselves.

Take Up Your Cross And Follow Jesus

Matthew 16:24-26 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” 

Before we discuss this passage, I’d like to remind you of a couple of things. First, we are not to do good in order to impress others. That’s what the so-called spiritual leaders of Jesus’ day did and the Lord informed His listeners that these men had all the praise they were going to receive.

Matthew 6:2-4 says, “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Good Works, Genuine Faith

Second, we must remember that good works are a result of genuine faith. They can never earn us a place in heaven, but authentic faith will result in good works. True believers will take up their cross, lay down their lives for the Lord, and deny themselves.

That’s not a popular outlook these days, not even among Christians. And it’s natural for us, as parents, to want to protect our children. But we are not doing them any favours by “protecting them” from the life God calls them to live.

The Cost Of Following Jesus

For many, following Jesus means they will persecuted, perhaps even put to death for their faith. We owe much to these men and women, boys and girls. They have set an example for all of us. And if you are reading today and this is your situation, may the joy of the Lord be your strength. May He fill you with courage and unshakeable faith.

One day those of us who enjoy freedom of worship may have to count the cost of following Christ in the same way—and that day seems to be drawing ever nearer. But for now, how can we count the cost?

We can regularly pray for Christians who are being persecuted. We can become involved in a ministry that reaches out to these brothers and sisters in Christ. Why not do so as a family?

Giving Financially

We can offer a portion of our financial resources to further God’s kingdom. If we already give regularly, we may want to consider giving up a luxury for a specified time in order to give even more. We may want to sit down with our spouse and children to discuss what we can do as a family in this area. We must be careful to lead by example and not pressure our children to give up what they are not ready to. Second Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving Our Time And Energy

Giving up our time and energy can be even more difficult than giving up some of our financial resources. For a time I stepped away from children’s ministry at our church, but I am once again eager to become involved. This is evidence of God at work in me. I don’t usually like to go out in the evening, especially when it’s cold and dark.

You may want to consider becoming involved in children’s or youth ministry. If this isn’t your strength, why not check out other opportunities to serve within your congregation? And if there’s a ministry in which you can serve with your entire family, that’s great.

There are also many other ways to share the love of the Lord in our community. Who knows? You and your family may want to look into the possibility of taking a short-term mission trip—or even look into the possibility of becoming career missionaries.

I know this is a big leap from serving for an hour or two each week, but mission work is not a thing of the past. There are still thousands of people groups who have never heard the gospel. Are we willing to go? Are we willing to encourage and support our children if this is where they believe God would have them serve? Are we willing to build the foundation of denying ourselves and laying down our lives wherever we call home?

Are We Willing To Follow Jesus No Matter What?

Will we deny ourselves day-to-day?

Will we get up a little earlier in order to begin our day with prayer and Bible reading?

Will we make a habit of attending church services every Sunday even when we’d rather sleep in?

Will we clear time in our schedule to help a friend—or someone else—even when we would rather not?

Will we learn to share the gospel even when we may be mocked—or worse?

Will we make it a priority to lead our family by example in the area of denying ourselves, not in an obvious way but in the day-to-day things they will one day come to notice—and hopefully, emulate.

What do you think it means to follow Jesus? Contact us– we’d love to hear from you!