In our day of technology others can encourage us to follow them on Facebook, or Twitter, through their Blog, etc. Such following can take place in the comfort of our own home or familiar surroundings. This following may also only be in one’s mind. However, when Jesus urged following Him, we must understand it is to be a following not only of the intellect, but of the whole life. That following can carry us out of our comfort zone and into God glorifying living and service. Are we duly focused for such or are we living a distracted life?
It has been said, “One of the biggest barriers in life is self-inflicted distractions.” (original source unknown)
Oh, how easy it is to be distracted by personal desires or other interests. Is such being held as more significant than following Jesus? When He called His first disciples to follow Him, they left the business of fishing behind to learn to become fishers of men. (Mark 1:17) When Jesus called Levi [also known as Matthew (Matthew 9:9)], he left the wealth of tax-collecting behind to follow as a disciple of Jesus. (Mark 2:14) When a rich young man came with questions regarding inheriting eternal life, Jesus knew the distraction of his wealth and told him to sell what he had, give it to the poor, and follow Him. (Mark 10:21) Sadly this one chose to walk away (Mark 10:22) rather than follow.
As Jesus noted discipleship , He placed it in the terms. . .
“(34) And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34 ESV)
This is where discipleship begins and continues; getting self out of the way to focus in a manner willing to bear whatever crosses might be borne while following in the steps of the Lord. It is to leave behind being comfortable where we are to allowing Jesus to transform us into becoming what and who He desires us to be as we follow in His Will to draw the attention of those around us to Him.
On an occasion when Jesus was urging others to follow who brought up reasons for not doing so immediately (Luke 9:57-62), to one He responded. . .
“ (62) Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:62 ESV)
There is a picture of a distracted life! As the plowman looking back will not keep the furrows in a straight line, so it is in life. If we are continually looking back, we are likely to stray from the course on which Jesus leads. Knowing it is to Jesus we belong (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 14:7-8; Philippians 3:12), like Paul let us continue “straining forward to what lies ahead” as we press on toward “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) May we move from distraction through whole-hearted attraction to the Lord and His Sovereign Will!
Have a great day FOCUSED FOR FAITHFULLY FOLLOWING THE LORD!
Carl
