Read Luke 14:25-35
Am I a TRUE FOLLOWER of Jesus?
As Jesus is traveling, a crowd of people are going with him. Jesus turns to them and says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brother and sister – yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple.” And as if that wasn’t enough, Jesus goes on to say, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
I’ve heard it said that Jesus is a free gift, and He is. But it may cost your life. So before we say yes to Jesus we need to consider the cost of what it really means to follow Jesus. We are not to allow anything or any relationship to keep us from following Jesus 100%. And taking up our cross daily means we’re willing to lay down our lives daily for the Lord if need be.
Jesus gives a parable as a way of saying, “consider the cost.” Don’t make a decision to follow Jesus until you’ve thought it through. You don’t want to start something you can’t finish. Consider the cost and then if you say, “Yes, I will follow Jesus,” then you are more likely to endure to the end.
Jesus seems to go against the approach that says we have to pressure people into praying the Prayer of Salvation. Yes, we want people to pray the Prayer of Salvation but let’s make sure they understand the cost of discipleship so they don’t go in blindly and regret their decision. It’s about a relationship. It’s about a lifetime commitment. It’s willing to go and be and do wherever and whatever the Holy Spirit directs.
So if someone asks you, “Are you a Christian? ” Interpret that as meaning, “Are you a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ?” I am willing to go wherever he leads me. I am willing to do whatever he calls me to do. And I am willing to be whatever he wants me to be for him. Yes, I am a follower of Jesus! Are You?
