The Hard Choice - To Follow or Not to Follow?
Social media today makes it easy to “follow” someone, a group, or even the belief-of-the-day. Many are quick to “follow” Hollywood celebrities, music stars, political groups, advocacy groups, etc. There’s really no shortage of people to “follow”. But few understand that being a real follower isn’t something we simply call ourselves. It requires commitment, sacrifice and action.
The Cost of Following
Following someone or a worthy cause comes with choices. Often hard choices. Take a look at the following passage and you’ll see where a follower of Christ had a particularly important choice to make.
Mark 17-22
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.
Before you think I’m saying you need to give up all your possessions, stick with me a minute. I see this passage as going beyond what we see on face value. It’s not merely about wealth but rather it highlights a truth that Christians will have choices to make. There may be a time when God asks us if we’re willing to give something up. This may be so we can have a closer relationship with Him, or it may be because we need to take a stand for what is right.
We’ve gotten comfortable blending our Christianity with our increasingly busy lives. And yes, it’s easy to answer like the man in the passage by acknowledging we haven’t broken the 10 commandments (or at least most of them). We’re good people and we follow Christ. We can check that box.
Much of what distracts us in life isn’t sin necessarily and therefore seems innocuous. However, these things do tend to pull us away from Christ keeping our relationship with Him from flourishing. It’s important to note that the man in the passage wasn’t asked to give up a sin. It was more a question of his commitment.
Our Choice
This world is becoming increasingly more complicated. The blending of black and white – the grayness we’re used to living in is disappearing. I have a feeling that we, as Christians, will soon be forced to make more and more complicated choices. Will we stand for what is right or continue to go along with the world’s direction? Will we be committed to the cause of Christ or walk away sad?
I’d like to close with this. Verse 21 says, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Of course, Jesus knew what the man was going to do – but He loved him in spite of it. We may make bad choices or even lack in utter commitment, but God’s love never fails.
Thanks for stopping by!
Armor up! Spread Truth! Pray big!
Love conquers all!