Don't Miss How to Become a Follower of Christ
The Journey Beyond Faith to Living Fully for Christ
I grew up in a Christian family where attending church every Sunday was a non-negotiable part of life—sometimes we even went twice in one day. Back then, church attendance was more common, with a service in the morning, Sunday school afterward, and another service in the evening. We never missed it; that was just the way it was. Today, I’m grateful for the foundation that was laid during those years, but as a child, I often felt overwhelmed by religious teachings that I didn’t fully understand.
Believing vs following Christ
When I turned 17, my Sunday school group was called to stand before the congregation and declare our belief in Jesus as our Savior. It was considered a significant milestone in our lives. At the time, it felt like I had no choice but to say yes—what would people think if I didn’t? And I truly believe we did have faith in Jesus Christ; that’s what we were taught, after all. But looking back now, I realize that while I believed, I wasn’t yet a true follower of Christ. I think this is a common experience for many Christians; we believe, but we don’t fully grasp what it means to follow Jesus in our daily lives.
So, what does it really mean?
To be a true follower of Jesus, you can’t continue living the same life as before. The challenge is that we want to have it both ways. On one hand, we want the assurance of salvation and a place in heaven; on the other, we still want to indulge in the world’s passions and desires. But the Bible teaches us that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). We can’t live a double life—partly for ourselves and partly for God.
To truly follow Jesus, we must walk by the Spirit so that we do not satisfy the desires of the flesh. Our flesh craves what is contrary to what the Spirit desires. They are in conflict with each other, so we cannot simply do whatever we want (Galatians 5:16–17). This inner conflict is a daily struggle, but it’s one that we must face if we are to live as true followers of Christ.
Being a follower of Jesus means denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily (Matthew 16:24–26). This isn’t just a one-time decision; it’s a daily act of surrender. Surrendering our lives to Jesus will cost us everything we are and everything we have because God asks for all of us, not just a part. It’s a sacrifice, but it’s the only way to truly gain everything.
Living as a true follower of Jesus also means paying a significant price every day. The way of Jesus is one of sacrifice, self-denial, and laying ourselves down for others (Romans 12:1). It’s not an easy path, but it’s the path that leads to true life.
Moreover, to follow Jesus, we must live a holy life, meaning we are set apart for God. He commands us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). As members of God’s family, we are called to live differently from those in the world. In Christ, there is no division—wherever division exists, it’s a sign that God’s principles are not being followed.
To be a true follower of Jesus is to live a supernatural life!
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re "good enough" because we’re not as bad as someone else. But we aren’t judged by comparing ourselves to others. We are judged against the righteousness of God—our right standing before Him. The real question is: Have you just heard about Jesus, or have you met Him personally? Do you know things about Him, or do you have a relationship with Him?
Take a moment to reflect on this. Read the above points again and, if need be, again. Examine your heart. If you only know about Jesus, the next step is to truly and intentionally make the decision to leave your current life behind and follow Him. It is going to cost you, but the reward is a fulfilling life here on earth and an eternal life in heaven.