Following God, what does it mean?
People have been asking and answering this question for more than 6000 years. In the Old Covenant we see several instances where God came in a burning bush, fire on the mountain, the ark of the covenant, etc… In the New Testament God came in Jesus as a human being He joined us here on earth and communicated with us in that way.
Today we have the Bible to help us in our quest to follow God. So why is it so hard? Why is it so difficult for people to agree on what it takes to follow God? Is the scripture unclear? Did God intend for us to struggle to figure it all out?
I didn’t think so. I think it is so simple that many people stumble over it. Many people see it and walk away sad because they are unwilling to do what is required. Some are unwilling to give up things that hold priority over God. Some people simply are unconcerned.
Here is what the Bible has to say about following God.
Mark 10: 17-22
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.”
20“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
21Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
In this passage Jesus is saying that God has to be #1. He is most important. It is not about rule keeping, it’s about relationship. A relationship with the Creator of the Universe. The fact is we tend to get so involved in life that we forget about the giver of life. We get so involved in building homes and furnishing these homes that we forget about our ultimate home in heaven. We get so involved in making a living in order to pay for our things that we forget about the Free Gift of Eternal Life that has been given to us.
The truth is that most people have chosen to spend their life acquiring the good things of life and losing the Best things in life.
When I think of my relationship with Mike, since he is my oldest son and we communicate on a different level than the little ones. There is nothing that Mike could do for me that would mean as much as just being with Mike. There is nothing that I would rather do than spend time with Mike and hear about his dreams, his concerns and just talking with him. It doesn’t require that any money be spent, it doesn’t require that any laws be followed. It just requires that we are spending time together.
I believe that the scripture shows us the same is true with us and God. He wants our time and attention. He wants to know you and for you to know Him.
Ronnie