Following the Leader;Becoming a true disciple of Jesus

Follow the leader is a children's game. First a leader or "head of the line" is chosen, then the children all line up behind the leader. The leader then moves around and all the children have to mimic the leader's actions. Any players who fail to follow or do what the leader does are out of the game. The last person standing other than the leader is now the new leader.

Following Jesus is just as simple as the game mentioned above. There are tools that you need to have, skills that you need to hone, but the basic principle is the same. Follow the "head of the line," Jesus, and mimic the actions portrayed.  In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul instructs the church at Corinth "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, and you are interested in becoming a true "Disciple" (more than just a follower); this is where the game changes.

There is a basic skill set that is required of you.

Requirement #1    Love God More Than Anyone Else (1)
Luke 14:26  Jesus tells us "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple"
Strong words? Yes and No. This is a requirement Jesus gives as a means of weeding out those that are not ready for discipleship. The word "hate" used in this context is not literal. Certainly, Jesus is not telling future disciples that they must hate. This is used as the opposite of "love." Strong words simply used to make a point.

Requirement #2   Deny Yourself and Take Up the Cross (1)
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
We all know what this means figuratively, but do we really know the true meaning? There are three steps in this process, and I will try to explain them.

1. (2)Self-Denial-   a restraint or limitation on one's own desires or interests Sounds terrible don't it? Not really, if you put it into perspective. We simply are denying the temptation of sin. Deny the desires of the flesh, and do not settle for anything less than God's will.
2. (2)Torture-  something that causes mental or physical suffering Calm down, there is no reason to stop reading now. Think about it this way; If you go to the gym, you torture your body. The repetitions, the weight you use, or the 5 miles you run on the treadmill; all of this is putting your physical body through discomfort that is equated to torture. No pain No gain is a phrase heard frequently. Thinkers torture their minds. The question you need to ask yourself is; Are you willing to go through temporal pain to have eternal gain?
3. (2)Death-  the end of life: the time when someone or something dies This is to die daily to yourself. Anytime you face a physical loss, suffer at the hands of another, things don't go exactly the way you had them planned; this is the time to die to yourself. Die to ego, die to pride, and die to all other sin. Allow your circumstances to make you more like Christ.

Requirement #3  Forsake All That You Have  (1)
To forsake means to give up or leave (someone or something) entirely. This is something that is hard to swallow. You mean to tell me that all that I have, everything that I've worked for, my livelihood, my self-worth, all of the things I have accumulated in this life; you are telling me that they are not mine. No, that is not my place. The bible tells us this, though. In the book of Mark chapter 10 Jesus has an encounter with a rich young ruler. The young ruler asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10-17)  "Jesus answered, 'You know the commandments: Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.' 'Teacher,' the man replied, 'I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child.'" "Jesus felt genuine love for this man as He looked at him. 'You lack only one thing,' He told him. 'Go and sell all you have and give money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions" (Mark 10:18-22)

I don't believe we are being told to take a vow of poverty, but when our possessions become our God, they take the place of GOD. Everything that we have, all that we are, our livelihood, self worth, and all of the things we have accumulated in this life belong to our Creator. Give generously of our time and treasure, and we will reap the rewards in Heaven.

Requirement #4  Count the Costs (1)
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it" (Luke 14:28).

Our lives will change drastically when we make this commitment. We might be asked to go to a foreign country to provide witness. We could be directed to perform something as simple as speaking to the homeless about the Grace of God. The point is; Whatever we are asked to do by our Lord, we shall do; no questions asked. Just be prepared. I firmly believe that the benefits of this journey will far outweigh the trials and tribulations we will see as a result of walking closely with God.


Finally, we need to make sure that we count the costs of discipleship before we begin this journey. Our Father requires all of us.  Billy Graham has said, "Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have."

"Nothing easily attained is worth attaining." -Robert Archibald

References:    (1)  http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/foundations-for-living/what-is-discipleship.html

                       (2)  http://www.christianpost.com/news/3-ways-to-take-up-your-cross-50639/#