Follow the Leader

During the midst of His time here on Earth, Jesus had some strong words for the large crowd that followed Him. Jesus tells them in multiple ways that to truly follow Him is a lifelong investment. It’s a serious commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Over the course of your faith journey, as you move closer and closer to God, you will inevitably be forced to give up the very things that mean so much to you here on Earth: your possessions, your relationships and ultimately your life. Our earthly blessings too often evolve into something dangerous that can keep us from moving closer to God. They can trap us and detour us from the path He clears for us to eternal joy. They can suddenly become an all-consuming focus. One that breeds selfishness and jealousy and denial. One that causes us to lose sight of the fact that His true promises for us extend far beyond this life. The material wealth we discard was always stamped with an expiration date. We can’t take it with us, right? And as for the relationships, if the ones we long to be with are truly dear and meaningful and valuable to us, then there’s good news. Everyone is invited to the experience of a lifetime and forever. Jesus calls us as he did those first humble fishermen to follow Him. He is calling you right now. Answer the call. And rest assured that the joy of what awaits us on the journey far exceeds the cost of what we leave behind. Hallelujah!