While scrolling through my articles here at the Odyssey, I have noticed something: I write A LOT about God and the Bible. Why might this be? The reasons for this varies.
One reason in particular is to remind the world of the responsibility that comes with the title of 'Christ-follower'. To the world, however, we are simply known as Christians; religious folk that gather and celebrate our traditions. On a more extreme spectrum, we are viewed as an intolerant bunch that thrives off of hatred. The latter perception is particularly relevant in this day and age, as it is commonly tacked onto those who identify with the Christian Right movement; a fundamentalist sect of U.S. conservatism.
While it is expected of the world to view Christians in a not so appealing light, Christians have the responsibility of living their lives like Christ and being an example to those around them. From what I've noticed, this tends not to be the case. Instead, I see the term 'Christian' as nothing more than a label; a badge that "grants" its wearer with a false sense of moral and spiritual authority.
In order to break from this perception, it's time we went back to the basics: Making a conscious effort to follow Jesus.
Pastor Tony Evans( Th.D) summarized following Jesus as Him wanting not just our faith, but our entire being.
To further expand on this, consider the following points:
1. Following Jesus means to sacrifice.
When you first called yourself a Christian, what did you give up? Or rather, what was lost on your new found journey? Have you considered going back after you lost something?
2. Following Jesus means allowing disruption.
In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus makes the shocking declaration that He has not come to bring peace, but ultimately division. Here, He demonstrates that His message is no respecter of one's personal comfort. Are you willing to uproot your own comfort zone and relationships for the sake of following Him?
3. Following Jesus means to be genuine.
Allow me to explain this further: We are often told that we should sacrifice for one another. Christians in particular are called to do this. That's all well and good. But what good is it if it is not freely given? The phrase "freely you have received; freely give" comes to mind here. The love that we often receive is freely given, meaning that it is given without coercion or force. Freely giving is a product of one's own conviction. Are you following Jesus on your own? Or are you being carried by someone other than Jesus?
Following Jesus has bigger (and even costly) implications than what it is given credit for. To those that call themselves Christians or Christ followers: Are you aware of these? And if so, are you living them out?
