There is no better time than now, during this season of Lent and the election period, for us to think about our reason or reasons for following Jesus the Christ. This is the season we too are called upon to select those we are going to follow and, therefore, we must have valid tangible reasons for following the candidate and party of choice.
It was no different in Jesus’ day. The people were called to choose. Many people followed Jesus – some for the right reasons and others for the wrong reasons. Hence it is no better time than now for us to look back and reflect on their reasons. Why was the crowd following Jesus? What was the attraction? Were they following him for the person he was, or was it for their own personal gain?
You see, my friends, before polling day we too need to reflect on those questions, and answer them succinctly, as we prepare for the upcoming general election and what it represents. You see, motives are extremely important. “What” a person does is important. “Why” a person does something is equally important also. Our motives may deceive other people. It is also possible for us to be so deceived about our motives that we cannot explain our principal motivation.
God knows “Why” we do things. He is never deceived about our motives. God knows our true motive even when we are not honest with ourselves. We can deceive both other people and ourselves, but we cannot deceive God (Galatians 6:7, 8). For example, when David confronted Goliath he had a motive. David found King Saul’s hefty reward for Goliath’s defeat interesting. Money, freedom, and a pretty girl would make almost any teenage boy take notice! The reward was a nice perk, but it was not the young shepherd’s motivation. It was not about himself and what he hoped to gain.
David’s reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. He openly expressed his disdain for the giant: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). Challenging the chosen nation, Israel, was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend God’s holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.
When Pilate turned the decision over to the people as to what to do with Jesus the Christ, what was his motive? When Peter denied Jesus, what was his motive? When Judas betrayed Jesus, what was his motive? When we choose our political leaders what are our motives? What are our true motives for following Jesus the Christ? Do we follow out of tradition? Is it for the things He can give us? Do we follow because we wish to identify with the crowd? What is your motive? Why do you follow him, my friends?
People follow others for various reasons: special privileges or benefits – for anything they can get, and others just for a sense of belonging to the group. But, in order to truly follow someone, you must know why you are following them because following them can be costly. Following them can be detrimental.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He was often followed by great crowds. The numbers were so great that at times he had to withdraw from them to have time with His Father. They followed him for various reasons and motives. For some it was out of admiration – they wanted to see the miracles. Some followed for the food, some wanted healing, some wanted all He had to offer them. Some wanted to catch or trap him with his words so they could accuse him. Some wanted to stone him. Some just followed the crowd and some wanted the gift of eternal life.
Those people who followed Jesus realised it was not easy. They realized it was costly. It had a price. He told them so himself. He warned them that people will hate them for doing so. They will suffer persecution; they will have to forsake others, worldly pleasures, even themselves. You see, following Jesus called for total commitment. Jesus challenged the motives of His followers on certain occasions and some “turned away and followed Him no more” (John 6:66). On such occasions Jesus did not change His message to be more acceptable to the crowds. He let them depart. The price was so great that some people forsook him.
Following Jesus is no different today. We just don’t follow for following sake. There is a price to pay. There is sacrifice involved. There must be total commitment. If we choose to follow Jesus, we have to have a made-up mind. We have to be determined to follow him when times are good and when times are bad, when it is easy and when it is hard. We have to follow Him today, tomorrow and every day of our lives, in happiness and in sorrow – follow Him over every hill and through every valley until that glorious day when He finally leads us home.
You see, following Jesus is not about how often we attend church, or about which denomination we belong to. It is not about having our names on the church’s book, it is not about doing good works, it is not about how much tithes and offering we give. It is about having a personal intimate relationship with Him and sharing the good news with others so that they too will follow him in spirit and in truth.
We should follow Jesus for who He is: He is the son of God. We should follow him for what he has done for us: He had died for the remission of our sins. We should follow Him for what He can do for us: He can save us from our sins. We should follow Him because of what He will do for us: He will come again to receive us unto Himself and we will reign with Him forever. Following Jesus is the only way to please God and get to heaven, my friends.
The most important decision we make in this life is where we will spend our eternal life. When we have made that choice we are not only prepared to die, we are finally ready to live! Think about it, my friends! Truly ask yourself the question – Why do I follow Jesus, and make sure your motives for doing so are pure. In like manner, as you prepare for Election Day, ask yourself – why am I following that particular candidate or party, and make sure your motives are pure because following have consequences. Here is the reason why you should follow Jesus:
You ask – Why I follow this Jesus?
You ask why I follow this Jesus?
Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world’s turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.
It’s not the rewards I’m after,
Or gifts that I hope to receive
It’s the Presence that calls for commitment;
It’s the Spirit I trust and believe.
The Lord doesn’t shelter His faithful,
Or spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.
Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I’m never alone.
It’s the love always there when you need it;
It’s the words that redeem and inspire,
It’s the longing to ever be with Him;
That burns in my heart like a fire.
So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?
Well, friend, that’s so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is;
Why Jesus loves someone like me.
(Author Unknown)
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Email: marilynb@anguillanet.com or Tel: 1.264.476.3517.
