Called Out​

Lots of people identify as Christians, but what does a committed follower of Jesus Christ look like? It is described as a relationship. A relationship is a two-way street, and we can always find multiple reasons and excuses not to follow and serve God. I’m really busy. It’s not my calling. Already done enough. On and on. Finally, my personal favorite and most widely used to fit any occasion: “I don’t know how to do that.” If we focus on our relationship and choose to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior change will come. Big change.

In his powerful book on evangelism, The Barbarian Way, Erwin Raphael McManus presents an excellent description of a growing relationship with Christ:

If you don’t like the idea of being an innovator, that’s fine. Just do whatever Jesus calls you to do the moment it is clear to you. Do not procrastinate; do not hesitate; do not deviate from whatever course of action He calls you to. But I want to warn you, the closer you walk with Christ, the greater the faith required. The more you trust Him, the more you’ll risk on his behalf. The more you love Him, the more you will love others. If you genuinely embrace His sacrifice, you will joyfully embrace a sacrificial life. Your expectations of Jesus will change as your intimacy with Him deepens. When you begin to follow passionately after Jesus, you will inadvertently find yourself innovating. After all, Jesus is transforming lives, writing history, creating the future, and unleashing the kingdom of God. If you plan to keep step with Jesus the Pioneer, you better expect some changes.

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​Questions

What gets in the way of my relationship with God? How can I eliminate this issue(s)?

Take a look

Matthew 4:18-22

Luke 18:29-30

—Mike