In secondary school, my classmates once argued over what it meant to be a true “follower” of a certain popular band. 

For some, being a follower meant knowing all of the songs, keeping up with all their latest content, and having a plethora of the band’s merchandise. They argued that anyone who does any less while claiming to be a true “follower” was instead a fake “follower”.

It was a silly, immature argument, but the question holds much value in our reflection as followers of Christ. 

What does it mean to be a true follower of Christ?

Take up your cross

Jesus states it clearly:

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24)

For those listening to Jesus’ words back then, they would recognise the cross as a form of great suffering. Yet, it is through Jesus’ love that the cross is no longer just seen as suffering, but as great suffering out of great love. 

Out of His great love for us, Jesus chose to give up His life and suffer. And for all who want to follow Him, He has set the standard as such that we too must out of love for God choose to suffer for His sake. Moreover, the Lord has said that once we decide to be a follower, we must not turn back from our decision (Luke 9:62).

Whom we follow

This may feel like a tall order.

But we can find comfort in the knowledge of whom we are following.

We are not blindly following a celebrity who appeals to the masses' desires so that he can fill his own pockets by draining his fan’s wallets. Nor is he a revolutionary figure who makes vast promises but is unable to fulfill them.

The one whom we follow can overcome physical limitations of five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men (Luke 9:10-17). He is one whom evil spirits fear (Luke 9:37- 42). He is the one who came to save lives not destroy (Luke 9:56). 

And most comforting of all, the one whom we follow, despite being fully God, chose to take on the image of man. To face all the same challenges and sufferings that we humans do (Heb 5:2), and yet was able to emerge victorious and blameless in order to open a path of salvation for us. 

In essence, the one whom we follow is one who has great power, and He is able to empathise with all our struggles, wanting to help us overcome (Heb 4:15-16).

Conclusion

To God, those who are true followers are those who denied themselves of their own wants and pleasures, and instead chose to do the difficult thing for God. At the same time, while this might feel like an impossible task for us to achieve, we can strengthen ourselves knowing that the Lord understands our struggles and His hand is outstretched, waiting to help us overcome ourselves.

Reflection points:

1. In what ways do I often fail to deny myself and take up my cross? 

2. Who have I been a follower of? Have I really been following Christ or have I been following myself/the world?

3. Have I come before His throne of grace to find help to overcome my lack of self-denial?