“You can’t call Jesus Lord without declaring yourself his slave” (Kyle Idleman).

I really think I, like most of the people I know, have really missed it when it comes to faith and Jesus. I know I for one have probably been more of a fan of Jesus than a follower for most of my life.

Followers don’t have Jesus as their number one priority. They have Jesus as their ONLY priority. Nothing else matters except following after Jesus and taking His story to the world. Nothing.

Followers are willing to leave everything behind and to follow after Jesus, no matter what it costs, no matter what they have to give up, no matter how many times other people call them “crazy” and “fanatical” (even church people).

I like to think of a follower of Jesus as someone who is set on fire by the love of Christ. They are totally consumed by it. Eventually, there is nothing left of me and all anyone who looks at me will see is Jesus. That’s what I want.

A follower is willing to risk reputation and prestige and career and life itself to take this Love to the people who need it most. A follower is not captive to what others think or say, but only ultimately listens to one Voice. The Voice of Truth.

I know that what the world longs to see is people actually living out the faith they claim to believe. Nothing frustrates them more than someone whos lifestyle doesn’t match their professed faith. I am frustrated when my own actions don’t bear out what I claim to believe.

My prayer for you is that you would be so captivated and captured by the love of Christ that you will be set ablaze for His glory and not consider your life too high a price to pay to follow and know and love this Jesus who gave everything to win your heart.