What does it mean to “Follow Jesus”? How does the idea of commitment relate to this?

Jesus calls us to become his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) which means that we are a “learner or a follower” of him. He called the first disciples by saying, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). As believers, we “follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This means that we confess Jesus as Lord and obey him in all things (1 Corinthians 8:6). He is Lord of everything that we are or ever hope to be (Romans 10:9-13). He is Lord of our values, our thoughts, our tongue, our money, our time, our relationships, our sex life and our careers. Jesus is Lord of our marriages, our families and our work (Ephesians 5:22-6:9). There is nothing about us outside his Lordship. This means total commitment to Jesus in everything. There are no exceptions.

Because Jesus is Lord, we put away all sinful attitudes, words, thoughts and acts. We submit to the will of the Holy Spirit who produces in us his fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:16-23). We have “the mind of Christ” about everything (Philippians 2:5). We love one another in the same way and to the same extent that he loves us (John 15:12). The “word of Christ dwells in us” and we are governed and controlled by “the peace of Christ which rules (that is, acts as an arbitrator or umpire) in our hearts” (Colossians 3:15-16). “Whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of Jesus Christ” (3:17).

As Christians, we follow Jesus’ way of life – not to earn salvation, but rather BECAUSE He has saved us.