Following Christ by Joseph M. Stowell – Part 2

Mirrors in Motion

Fully devoted followers are like mirrors in motion. By the very definition of following, we are called into a deepening intimacy with Christ. This increasingly close proximity to Christ transforms us and results in a clear reflection of His character. As followers we replicate the grace, mercy, love, justice, compassion, truth, and righteousness of Christ our leader. Followers refuse to be satisfied just to be saved and on their way to heaven. For followers, Christianity is a relationship, an adventure, a passionate pursuit of Christ. Followers escape the boredom and drudgery of a system or rituals and regulations and revel in the discovery of this intriguing Person.

As followers we a re liberated from religious traditions and conventions that do not reflect the perspective, character, and conduct of Christ. Although we may hear a multiplicity of voices from both within and outside the church, we listen to only one. It is the voice of Christ, who simply said, “Follow Me.” No conditions. No negotiations. No particulars. No contractual expectations. Just follow. It was the first and last thing Jesus said to Peter (Mark 1:17; John 21:19,22). It is the beginning and the end of what it means to be a Christian. Everything in between is measured by it.

Followers are free – free to be what they were intended to be, free to experience life the way it was meant to be.

Unfortunately, we don’t readily perceive ourselves as followers. When we identify ourselves, it is most often with terms such as “Christian,” “believer,” “brother” or “sister”. To say, “I am a Christian,” focuses our attention on our privileges and entitlements. Or, perhaps it is simply a way to differentiate ourselves from other kinds of people. For some it means little more than not being a Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. The title itself does little to forge a sense of calling, action of definition of what being a Christian is all about.

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As good and important these identities may be, at some point we have to get beyond these labels to a self-perception that will demand the right stuff of our lifestyle. Identifying ourselves as followers captures the essence of what it means to be a believing Christian. Think of the difference it would make if we answered the questions about who we are by saying, “I am a follower of Christ.” Calling one another “follower” would draw out both encouragement and accountability. Thinking of ourselves as followers keeps our focus on Christ and holds us accountable for how we live.

Yet, in a strange, twisted sort of way, many of us live out our faith in Christ as though He exists to follow us. We come to believe that Christ exists to satisfy our demands. Distorted perceptions of Christianity pose the power of faith and prayer as instruments designed to get Christ to serve our impulses for peace and prosperity. This disguised form of self-serving religion sets Christ up as just one more commodity in life that will enhance and empower our dreams and destinations.

~to be continued~