Forgiveness does not mean saying that what happened was acceptable, removing appropriate boundaries, or pretending that nothing happened. It means refusing to remain tied to the offence by surrendering our desire to make the other person pay.
Following Jesus means learning that true greatness is not measured by position, influence or recognition – it is measured by our willingness to serve.
Jesus turned the world’s idea of greatness upside down. His disciples even wondered who among them was the greatest, but Jesus pointed them towards a very different kind of greatness. He did not tell them to seek power over others. He showed them how to place themselves at the service of others so that God would be pleased.
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It can mean learning to love people not only when it is easy, convenient, or returned, but when love requires something from us! Jesus did not love from a safe distance. His love moved towards people, touched the hurting, welcomed the rejected, forgave the guilty, and ultimately it cost Him everything.
Following Jesus is not simply about changing what we do. It is about allowing Him to change the way we think.
Following Jesus means allowing Him to change us. When we first come to Christ, we are often like children learning to walk. We stumble, we fall, we get things wrong, and we sometimes need others to help us find our feet. But God never intended for us to remain spiritually immature.
Following Jesus is not simply about believing in Him. It is about becoming like Him.
We live with our feet firmly planted in today, but our hearts are looking towards that day. Jesus promised that He would come again, and that promise changes the way we live now. We are not simply waiting for something to happen. We are faithfully following Him while we wait.
Following Jesus isn’t a glib statement. It’s a living, walking, wonderful journey that highlights our natural fleshly desires which will always try to distract us along the way.
