We all follow some example, whether it is our beliefs, people’s idea of us, society or whatever the case might be, we follow something or someone. Who do you follow?

The same invitation Jesus gave His disciples, He gives us today, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, ESV)

God placed a calling on each of our lives, a calling that can only be fulfilled by walking hand-in-hand with Him. He does not dump a calling on us and leave us all by ourselves to figure it out. He places it on our lives as an invitation to join Him as He brings it to pass. He merely needs our willingness. When we accept His invitation we get to experience God in full.

Jesus does not ask us to follow Him so that we can fulfil His calling through our own understanding and efforts. If that was the case we would not need Him in anyway. No, He asks us to follow Him so that He can make of us everything He planned for us to be and to do through us everything He equipped us to do. Jesus knows all our shortcomings as well as the potential He invested in us, so when He says we should follow Him, He knows what He is getting Himself into with us. Nothing surprises Him. He wants us with Him so that He can be a blessing to us and helps us to be blessings to others so that His aroma can spread through the earth.

God thought of every little detail to assist us. Through Jesus, He gave us an example on how to live our lives. 1 Peter 2:21 says, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (ESV) Jesus walked the earth the same way we do, He went through the same trials as we do, at times to a much greater extent, so He understands what we are going through. He knows what it is like to have a purpose for your life and He understands what it takes to bring it to fulfilment. Even though we were not born to die on a cross to save the human race, we are still called to greatness in Christ (Hebrews 3:1).

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Matthew 16:24 tells us, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (ESV)

Jesus is our leader and guide. We should walk in His footsteps by the help of His Holy Spirit that dwells inside us. It requires our obedience by listening when He speaks to our hearts and prompts us to follow His guidance. We are not to follow our own will, as it is not about what we want, but it is all about what He wants.

When you deny yourself and take up your cross to follow Jesus, it means you give up your self-efforts and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus—who already died for your sin as He took your cross upon Himself. Now, you deny your own will and stay focused on Jesus and He will renew your mind and heart according to His will.

Take a moment today and think about Who or what you follow on a daily basis. Jesus invites you every morning to follow Him so that He can fulfil His purpose for your life through you, now the question is, do you accept?