How Following Jesus Betters Your Life
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV).
Let’s be honest . . . we’re all following something or someone. And I don’t just mean clicking the “Follow” button on your favorite social media platform (though we certainly do a lot of that, don’t we?). I mean every single day of our lives, we’re being led or pulled in one direction or another. And it may be time to be a little harshly honest with ourselves about it.
What Is Leading You?
Life is like a series of trails, a long list of options. We can chase power, money, fame, love . . . just to name a few. Those things call to us and promise us the world. They draw on those tender spots in our hearts and offer a solution. And suddenly, we’re following their lead, seeking them first above all else.
Christians Need to Follow Christ
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV). I also love the NLT version of that verse: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
As Christ-followers, we’re called to do just that: Follow Christ. Despite our thousands of options, we’re called to put Him in the lead. To follow in His footsteps, heed His instructions, and let His voice guide us down the right path.
The Temptation to Follow Elsewhere
But if we’re being really real and honest, those other things are tempting, right?
Money says, “I’ll give you power. I’ll give you freedom.”
Praise from people says, “You’ll be significant. Your life will mean something.”
Romantic love says, “I’ll make you complete.”
The Consequences of Not Putting God First
They promise us the world and answers to all our problems and insecurities! But when we begin to follow their lead and cling onto these idols, we’re placing something on the throne that God should hold. And here’s the irony: The thing we thought would make us happy and free actually becomes the thing that holds us captive.
If money becomes your god, you never have enough. You compromise your integrity. You sacrifice your family. You may sacrifice your health. You’ll constantly compare what you have to what others possess. You always worry and perpetually think about the next amount and where it will come from.
When you seek first the praise of people, you’re obsessed with what people think. You’re hypersensitive to criticism. You check who liked your post. You notice who didn’t. You walk into a room wondering how you’re being perceived. You give other people complete control over your emotional life.
When the desire for romantic love lords over you, you become terrified of being alone. You become a serial dater. You stay in relationships you know are unhealthy because being alone feels worse. You expect another human being to fill voids that only God can.
Jesus Is the Answer to a Fulfilling Life
But when we follow Jesus, we let the Lord show us His best plan. Instead of wearing ourselves down seeking more, more, more, we find an abundance greater than we ever thought possible! We experience peace beyond understanding (see Philippians 4:7), rest for our weary souls (see Matthew 11:28–30), fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (see Psalm 16:11), and eternal life (see John 10:28).
So I’ll ask you again . . . who or what have you been following? What have you been chasing that will only hold you captive?
Jesus is sweetly calling out to you: “Come with Me. Trust in Me. Let Me guide your steps.”
Will you follow?
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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.
