What does it mean to follow Jesus? If it isn’t found in following rules and it isn’t found in a life of self-denial and it isn’t about mysterious experiences, what is it?

Read: Matthew 16:24; John 10:27; John 13:34-35

If I could summarize the verses above, it would sound like this:

Stop thinking about only yourself and what you want. If you really want to follow Jesus, you will listen carefully to everything he says without fear. Love for others will be the indicator that you are a follower of Jesus.

So simple, yet not simple at all. And that is why we turn to legalism, asceticism and mysticism – it’s far easier to keep those practices than it is to love others and to act in loving ways. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with everything we have and to love others as our self. This is the litmus test of following Jesus.

How are you doing? Take a moment and ask Jesus to reveal any one in your life who could have used a little more love from you.