Why I Follow Jesus
Do we follow Jesus just because he is the way to forgiveness for sins and a ticket to heaven?
Do we really know him well enough to admire him - to consider him our hero?
Here are three characteristics of Jesus that I deeply admire, and make we want to follow him so I can become like him.
1. He is NOT religious. He did not come to start a religion. He exposed it as a sham and a burden.
2. He is authentic (real, genuine) - he is the same with everyone. He doesn't put up a 'mask' or facade - he is comfortable with who he is.
3. He gives dignity to all people regardless of gender, lifestyles, socio-economic positions, politics, etc.
What do you think?
posted by Reid @ Monday, March 02, 2009
5 comments
5 Comments:
I guess it will likely not be a surprise, but the characteristic I admire most about Jesus is the fact that "He is NOT Religious." I admire that so much because that truth has changed my life in so many ways. The whole gospel of grace is the key for me. Grace is so opposite of being religious. What I have found in my life to be true, is the fact that, "not being religious is relative to how intimate and close our relationship with Jesus is." I have found that many times when my relationship with Him is not as close as it should be, I "default" to some religious activity that makes it appear as if it is. That is the deception of religion, and it can be so subtle.
We may be more religious at times than we might want to admit or confess. In the weak moments, we may succumb to relying "just a little bit on religious actions" so that we are covered. I have been learning lately that the Holy Spirit exposes those moments to me in a way that I don't feel guilty, or judged. He points out the fault and offers the way out! It is so amazing. I totally believe that one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit we miss out on is, "He will lead us into all truth, and show us the way to Jesus." Our intimate, personal relationship with the Lord is in the hands of the Holy Spirit. It is He (Holy Spirit) who reveals the real Jesus to me. It is that Jesus I love and admire. It is that Jesus which keeps me from "defaulting" to the old religious activities I had learned well.
Like a printer, or a particular software program on my computer; I have the option of changing the default settings. The power of the Holy Spirit has shown me how...and in fact has empowered me to do it. No need for a technician...just a good read of "right living" for dummies!! Just a little bit of "good news." Ever wonder why those books are so popular?
Yeah - I believe that religion always 'separates' us from a relationship with Jesus. It knows, that if we get close to him we will begin to enjoy him and the freedom from the law that he brings!
I like your point about the Holy Spirit revealing Jesus - you are right, we too often ignore that work of His.
I also like the 'default' idea ... I think when we first choose to follow Jesus the 'default' settings are grace and freedom and a sense of being righteous in his eyes. But then we slowly keep changing the 'default' settings - adding a little 'law' here, and a little 'religion' there, and some dos and some don'ts and some condemnation etc .... until it no longer resembles the original settings! Wow! Lord, restore my default 'salvation' settings.
One of His ministries I refuse to miss out on, is the Holy Spirit. The HS has been for me, the most powerful and the most healing & freeing. I am not able, in my own strength, to live like Jesus, and when I surrender & submit to His Spirit and worship Him and then, the hard part, LISTEN, I always experience His peace & direction. Otherwise, I end up folowing me & that is not pretty-full of me & "the rules".
When I am with others, I want to be more like Him & give dignity to those around me by...honoring, listening and responding honestly & respectfully. (Love Me, love your brothers) That is what I desire from others, so it only makes sense to act it out personally. I receive what I put 'out there'. I believe that the only way for me to come close to doing that is thru my relationship with the HS! No room for defaults! Cheers!
Anonymous is me, Cheryl. I will try again to ID myself ;-}
Guess it worked!!
Be Blessed this week, at rest and at work.
Cher
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