Are You Following Christ or The World?

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matt. 7:13-14 (ESV)

Greetings, Everyone!

When I was a teenager, I was exposed to different genres of music, films, actors, actresses, and performers. There was so much going on in the music industry that the artists who had fans attended the concerts and meet-and-greets. The same thing is happening today, with the addition of social media. A fan has more access to their favorite artist. However, once the artist gets older and the popularity declines, it is on to the next popular or relevant person. The same thing happened to Christ; He was “that” person. So, why was Christ popular, and why were they following Him?

According to John 6:1-2, Jesus was on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. While He was there, a large crowd was following Him. In the NLT, “A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick.” From reading the verse, they were not following Him because of who He was. They followed Him for the spectacle, and they were enamored with His works and more specifically, with what He might do for them (Matt. 4:23; 8:16; 15:30). Not only did he heal people from the huge crowd He also fed them (John 6:5-13). Imagine seeing people getting healed and fed? The people said, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting (John 6:14, NLT)!” The people were so caught up in Jesus’ miracle-working power, they wanted to make Him king, so Jesus knew their heart and he left for the mountain by himself (John 6:15).

So, why are you following Christ? If you cannot answer this question, let’s look at John 6:16-18. Christ didn’t return to His disciples, and they looked for Him. As they were in the boat, they saw Christ, even being terrified by the strong wind, Christ told them,” Do not be afraid, I am here.” Despite what was happening, they still sought the Lord regardless of what was going on around them. Are you following Christ for just physical sustenance or eternal life? Christ knows who truly believes in Him; they are those whom the Father has given to Him. They will go to Christ, and He will never reject them (John 6:37, NLT). Those who believe have eternal life!

We also follow Him because we are His. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So, I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd” (John 10:14-16, NLT).

 Christ is so desperately encouraging us to follow Him because He loves us and wants us to have eternal life. Remember, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33). He is waiting for you to decide. Will it be Christ or the World? The choice is yours.