Who Should I Follow?

Have you ever played Simon Says? Are you good at it? You have to listen carefully and follow and do exactly what “Simon” says to do.

Life can be a little like that. Whether it’s on a screen or in real life, everywhere we look, people want us to follow them. Friends, family, TV, movies and social media bombard us with pictures and words telling us what they do, what they eat, what they wear and what they believe.

We are told we need to follow their example and be like them. But God has a better plan for us. He wants us to follow Jesus above anyone else.

Let’s read Jesus’ own words that tell us what following Him will do for us. Can you help me find John 8, verse 12? The book of John is in the New Testament.

Have you ever tried to walk around the house in the middle of the night with no light? What happened? In the dark it can be hard to see the right way to go.

The Bible compares sin to darkness. Remember that sin is anything that we think, say or do that disobeys God. When we follow Jesus, He is light in a dark and sin-filled world. He shows us how we should treat people, who we should spend our time with and how to have a relationship with God.

Throughout the New Testament, when the people around Jesus didn’t approve of Him and hated what He said and did, Jesus showed great patience, mercy and love. When the religious leaders of the day were angry and full of judgment, Jesus chose to forgive. It was in the darkest of moments in people’s lives that Jesus chose to shine His light. He showed people that following Him was safe and the best choice they could make.

Following Jesus is different than following anyone else. When we follow Jesus we make choices based on God’s truth. We choose to obey God and don’t let other people’s opinions change our mind or influence our decisions.

You cannot be a half-hearted follower of Jesus. You either believe Him or you don’t. You either trust Him to be all He has said He is or you don’t. You either live your life for Him or for yourself.

You make a choice every day. Who will you choose to influence your decisions and attitudes? Who will you choose to follow today?