Follow Christ

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20

Following Jesus is our great joy and privilege. Our lives are enriched as we follow Christ each day. We grow by learning about Christ and obeying Him as we seek to follow Jesus in our lives. It’s amazing!

One the other hand, following Jesus is not easy. We must be willing to go against the culture and obey no matter the cost. Being a disciple comes at a high cost. It is worth it, but, being Christ’s disciple is ease not a life of ease.

While following Christ can be difficult, let us remember three words that can help us go forward and grow in Christ Jesus. Those words are process, patience, and perseverance. An examination of these concepts is in order. 

1) Following Jesus is a process. Christian maturity and growth do not happen overnight. Paul speaks of fruitfulness and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. Well, it takes time for fruit to mature and grow. So follow the process and follow Him. Read and study the Bible, pray, worship, give, and tell others about Christ. Stay in the process and growth will eventually arrive.

2) Following Jesus requires patience. Growth does not take place quickly in our spiritual lives. Our standing before God changes when we are saved. God sees us as forgiven and complete in Christ’s righteousness. However, growth happens slowly in our sanctification. Following Jesus will have its ups and downs. A disciple will encounter wins and losses. 

Be patient. God is not finished with you. He is working on your behalf and Christ is molding and shaping you into His image. Trust God to finish what He has begun in you.

3) Followers of Jesus will need perseverance. A true disciple will keep showing up each day to serve their Lord and Savior. A true Christian will endure to the end. Don’t give up! Stay in the fight and commit to following Christ day by day.  

A disciple of Christ does not have a simple, trouble-free life. You can stay the course through the power of the Spirit within you. Be faithful and don’t forsake discipleship.

You will be glad you did!

Tony French