Following Jesus

I often ask myself what it means to follow Jesus. What does it mean to be called by Jesus into faith and obedience?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes. . .

"The call to follow implies that there is only one way of believing in Jesus Christ, and that is by leaving all and going with the incarnate Son of God.

The first step places the disciple in the situation where faith is possible. If he refuses to follow and stays beghind, he does not learn how to believe. He who is called must go out of his situation in which he cannot believe, into the situation in which first and foremost, faith is possible. But this step is not the first stage of a career. Its sole justification is that it brings the disciple into fellowship with Jesus which will be victorious. So long as Levi sits at the receipt of custom, and Peter at his nets, they could both pursue their trade honestly and dutifully, and they might both enjoy religious experiences, old and new. But if they want to believe in God, the only way is to follow the incarnate Son."

When Christ calls us, we must leave everything and follow him! He doesn't separate faith from obedience, like we tend to do.

So I ask myself, have I left everything for the privilege of following Jesus? I must admit that there are things in my life (electronics, consumerism, pride) that I have not left in order to follow the incarnate Son. Which brings me to the end of the quote above. Levi can sit and Peter can fish and still have religious experiences, but neither of them will be following Jesus on His terms. How often can I relate to that statement.

I am looking for a few people who will walk with me as we try to answer the call of the Son and again bring faith and obedience back together. That means accountability, prayer and faith/obedience practices. Who wants to join me as I try to answer the call?