What does a follower of Christ look like?

What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? He is our example and it cannot be done without Him-it is impossible. However, when you choose to follow Him and make Him Lord of your life, He places His Spirit in you who will guide, convict and help you to love as Christ loves. Lord of your life means Lord over all. It is not keeping Him in a box and only giving Him some portions of your life, it is giving Him everything. What Jesus wants is an intimate relationship with you. He is as close as the breath you breathe. It is not about how often you go to church, or even what you do for Him, while that is good, it does not mean that you are a Christian. It is not about how many rules you keep and things you don't do that are harmful to you. He wants you, all of you. It is keeping your eyes on Him. It is trusting in Him for everything. John 3:16 is a verse that most everyone knows. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." To "believe" in Him is to put your life upon. He is the One that holds all things together. Everything good you receive is from Him. Yes He uses people and situations to provide for you, but it all comes from Him. Jesus shows  you how to forgive, how to love as He loves, to show mercy to those who may not deserve it, and to give of yourself and your possessions to help others in need. Friend, this is not normal, but as a Christ follower, we are not of the world. What does "of the world" mean? While we are in this world, we do not think and act as the world does. We have the kingdom mindset. We are set apart. Jesus says to "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:28 This is not how the world thinks. When someone does them wrong, they want to get them back. Not repaying evil for evil or getting even with someone is not something that you can do without the help of the Holy Spirit. Our flesh wants to do what it wants, when it wants. Our human nature is screaming it is all about me and what I want. We overcome that with the Spirit's help. The Spirit also helps us to forgive someone who has offended or hurt us. Instead of holding onto the offense and becoming bitter, resentful or hateful, we can choose to let it go and forgive. When we forgive, it is not saying what the other person did was right, but when we make the choice to forgive, God will give us such a peace and we no longer look at that person the same. We start seeing them through God's eyes and not our own. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Christ sets you free from things that held you captive. Things that kept you in bondage, whether it was an addiction, anger, unforgiveness, a wrong mindset, deception or lying. Jesus breaks all of those chains that held you down. In Christ, there is true freedom, like the song says "I am free to be me." When you follow Christ, everything does not automatically fall into place. He begins to change you from the inside out little by little. You no longer do the things you once did and you no longer think the way you used to. This is something that no amount of counseling can do for you, it is by God's grace and mercy. Others will see you and notice a change, you are not the person you once were. Your desires change and you begin to see the world from God's perspective, not yours. Yes, you will have trials and troubles, but with the Holy Spirit, you can and will overcome, giving God the glory. He gives  you that peace that passes all understanding in whatever you face. Ask Jesus today to help you, to give every part of your life to Him. Pray that He opens the eyes of your understanding. He will do this for you. He loves you so much and He wants to fill every void in your life. I pray that you, along with the Psalmist says, "Your love is better than life and my lips will praise You as long as I live."

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