The Most Important Question

“Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”(Matthew 16:24-25)

Are you a follower of Jesus? It’s the most important question you will ever answer, and it seems like a good place to begin this journey: Are you a follower of Jesus?
I know. You’ve been asked this question before. And because it’s so familiar, there is a tendency to dismiss it. Not because it makes you uncomfortable. Not because it’s especially convicting. The question is dismissed mostly because it feels redundant and unnecessary. You recognize that this is an important question for many to consider, but for you? Well, it’s like walking into a Lexington pub and asking, “Who cheers for the Cats?” It’s an important question, but you’re so sure of your answer, your mind quickly dismisses it. But before you move on too quickly, let me clarify what I am NOT asking. I am not asking if you go to church or if your parents and grandparents are Christians. I am not asking if you raised your hand at the end of a sermon or repeated a prayer after a preacher. I am not asking if you spent your summer at VBS and/or church camp, have ever worn “witness wear,” or understand phrases like “traveling mercies” and “sword drill.”
Many of us are quick to say, “Yes, I’m a follower of Jesus,” but I’m not sure we really understand what we are saying. One of the most sobering passages in the Bible tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be stunned to find out that He doesn’t even recognize them. Jesus describes a day when everyone who has ever lived will stand before God. On that day, many who call themselves Christians and identify themselves as followers, will stand confidently in front of Jesus only to hear Him say, “I never knew you. Away from Me.” To be clear, that’s not my opinion or my interpretation; that is what Jesus has said will happen. Just read Matthew 7:21-23.
Whether you’ve just assumed you are a follower of Jesus or are faithfully walking with Him, I pray this devotional journey will encourage you along the way as you re-affirm your commitment to follow Him not perfectly, but wholeheartedly. And remember, we are invited to follow by the grace of God, and it is His grace that will give us the power we need along the way.

Following Today
Recall that time you first decided to follow Jesus. Where were you? What prompted you to respond? What, if anything, changed about you in those first days and weeks? Write down your answers to these questions: Are you a follower of Jesus? Are you currently living out that decision?