Back to What Really Matters in Following Jesus
Building Real Relationships That Change Lives
Hey friends, let's get real for a minute! What's our true purpose as followers of Jesus? It's not just about praying a prayer and waiting for heaven. Sure, that's wonderful, but following Jesus is so much more than a heavenly ticket. It's about living like Jesus did—the way He taught, walked, and loved people. And remember what He asked us to do? Not just to get people to say yes to Him, but to help them become His followers (Matthew 28:19-20). That's a whole different story. That's about living life His way.
Following Jesus isn't about checking boxes or sitting in classes. It's about real life! It's about walking with Him daily, learning from Him, and helping others do the same. Jesus showed us exactly how—He didn't just give speeches and move on. He shared life with people, ate with them, and showed them what God is really like.
What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus?
It's about becoming more like Him. Not just trying to act better, but letting Him change who you are from the inside out (Romans 12:2). It's about experiencing His forgiveness and love, then sharing that with others. And it all starts with relationship. How can we show others God's heart if we're not close to Him ourselves?
Here's the deal: following Jesus means going all in. It means letting go of our own way of doing things—our hurts, our comfort zones, everything (Luke 9:23). It means letting God's Spirit reshape how we think and feel. And get this—it's never just about us. When Jesus invites you to follow Him, He's inviting you to be a channel of His love to others. You're sharing what He's given you.
What We're Called to Do
We need to raise the bar, friends. Too often, we've made church about numbers and programs instead of real life change. But listen—if we're not helping people follow Jesus, we're missing the whole point.
What if we stopped counting heads and started counting changed lives? What if we really invested in people, walked alongside them, and showed them how to live close to Jesus?
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
That's what it's all about. That's what God dreams of seeing in His family.
Getting Real with Jesus
Let's be honest: you can't help others follow Jesus if you're not following Him yourself. Are you living in His love? Are you standing firm in His truth? Are you showing others what He's like (John 13:34-35)? This isn't about memorizing Bible verses; it's about living them out. Paul said, "Follow my example as I follow Christ." That's what it means to help others follow Jesus. It's saying, "Come walk with me as I walk with Him."
The Lonely Hearts in Our Churches
Can we talk about something that hurts? Why do so many people feel alone in our churches? They're there every Sunday, but they feel invisible, unheard, and left out. We've got to open our eyes, friends. People are hurting in silence, and that loneliness is doing real damage.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
When people feel disconnected, they look for belonging elsewhere. The enemy knows this and offers fake solutions. Things like the occult, Wicca, and witchcraft promise to make people feel special and powerful, but they're dangerous traps. When someone feels invisible at church, these things can look pretty tempting. We need to reach out before someone else does.
Where We've Gone Off Track
Let's be real: we've mixed up growing numbers with growing disciples. We've focused on filling seats instead of filling hearts. But Jesus never said, "Go build bigger services." He said, "Go make disciples." That means getting personal. It gets messy. It takes time and love (2 Timothy 2:2).
We need to stop looking for easy answers and start loving people like Jesus does. See them. Walk with them. Show them His love.
Time to Step Up
Friends, we can't keep going like this. We're supposed to be a family where everyone belongs. It starts with us. Do we notice the quiet ones in the back, the ones who slip away quickly, the ones carrying heavy hearts?
The answer is relationship. Not more programs—real connection. It's about inviting people into your life and showing them what following Jesus looks like. Being there. Taking time. Keeping it real.
Jesus Shows Us How
Jesus didn't just preach to crowds; He did life with people. He noticed the outcasts, touched those everyone avoided, and called the forgotten ones by name (Matthew 9:10-13). That's what He's calling us to do. That's what helping others follow Him looks like.
If we want our churches to look like Jesus, we need to create a culture where everyone helps others follow Him. Where no one feels invisible. His truth doesn't just change minds—it changes lives, heals hearts, and makes people whole.
Your Turn to Act
Look around your church. Who's falling through the cracks? Who's carrying a hidden hurt? Who needs someone to walk with them?
Be that person. Don't wait for someone else to do it. You can make a difference. Love big. Build friendships. Help people know they matter—not just to you, but to Jesus.
Together, we can change how church feels. We can help people follow Jesus in a way that makes them feel loved, accepted, and rooted in Him. Let's step up and bring the lonely ones back into God's family.
Let's talk about it:
How are you helping others follow Jesus in your everyday life, and what could you do better?
Have you ever felt alone at church? What helped you find your place?
What can we do as a church family to make sure everyone feels seen and heard, especially those who might feel left out?
If this truth resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes one revelation can set a whole life free.
If you enjoyed it please consider buying me some ‘go juice.”
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Finally, as you go about your day, may you walk in the fullness of His love, peace, and purpose. Carry His light wherever you go, and let His blessings flow through you to others. Have a beautifully blessed day!
