TO FOLLOW CHRIST

Everyone follows something: popular culture, influential people, selfish ambitions, etc. The Bible makes it clear that you cannot devote yourself to more than one thing at a time. 

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24) 

The Lord's command, 'follow me', appears in all four gospels. In most cases, He was speaking to those who would become the twelve apostles. In others, Jesus was calling 'anyone' who wanted what He offered ...  

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, 'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me'. (Mark 8:34)

Jesus is to be 'everything' to you. He stated in no uncertain terms what the cost of following Him would be ... 

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 10:37-39)

His disciples walked with Jesus for three years, learning, observing, and even participating in all that He did. But when following Him meant standing shoulder to shoulder at the foot of Calvary's cross, they crumbled. Up till then, their allegiance depended on 'inner fortitude' and 'personal resolve'. 

It was not enough. 

They needed a 'Helper' to stay true to their Messiah (and so do we) ... But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me. (John 15:26)

Today's church pews are full of people who attempt to follow Christ in their own strength. They have the 'appearance' of faith without the 'substance' of faith ... outwardly performing religious rituals without an inward surrender to Jesus' Lordship.  

True believers know that brokenness comes before discipleship; death before life ... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

The indwelling Holy Spirit allows you to boldly follow Jesus Christ. Sanctification transforms you into His likeness and equips you to finish the race ... regardless of the cost.