How to Become a Strong Follower of Jesus

Is there a process through which we move to become a strong follower of Jesus? Did he give us an example to follow to discover this process? In fact, as we look at Jesus’ life we see a dramatic illustration of how we move from uncommitted to strong ministry.

David Marcu
In just a few verses of Mark’s gospel (1:9-15), we see the powerful entrance of Jesus into public ministry through three movements. I will apply these three movements to our spiritual lives to show how you can move strongly into a life of following Jesus.

Three Movements

Movement One – Baptism

Baptism represents the public declaration of faith. Just as Jesus was baptized in a very public setting, following Jesus is also public display. Jesus never called anyone to follow privately. Public response is a powerful impetus to spiritual growth. When we truly follow Jesus, it is obvious for all to see. A key to following is embracing humility and submitting to God in all things.

Movement Two – Testing

Unfortunately, we don’t talk about this enough. We celebrate when someone decides to follow Jesus – and we ought to. But we must realize that testing often follows a spiritual high. Too frequently we are not ready for this.

Our spiritual lives are not a constantly ascending journey but there are high points and low points, just like life.
Here are three things you can do to prepare for testing:

1. Build a habit of total reliance on God. In the best days of your spiritual life fully rely on God. As you follow Jesus every day, fully rely on God. Then when the trials come you will fully rely on God. It is the only way to make it through.
2. Build a foundation on the Word of God. When you are bombarded with difficulties and trials and temptations, you may not have the awareness to open your Bible and search for a scripture to help you. So every day, you must fill your heart and mind with the Word of God. Much time in the Bible will empower you to persevere through trial.
3. Establish a habit of prayer. Just like reading your Bible must be a habit, so must prayer. When you spend quality time and quantity time in prayer, your trials will be easier to bear. Your constant conversation with God will get you through.

Movement Three – Ministry

This is the final movement in becoming a strong follower. When Jesus returned from the wilderness where he was tried and tempted, he immediately began to minister.

Every follower is called to ministry. At the very least we are called to make disciples. But there might be much more for you.

Ministry starts and continues with repentance. Repentance means a change of mind. We often talk about repentance in relation to salvation and it is essential to salvation. But as we follow Jesus, he is continually changing our minds. An attitude of repentance says that as we follow Jesus, we are willing for him to continually renew our minds so we perceive the world as he does. We continually repent of our perspectives, prejudices, opinions and attitudes so we can become more like Jesus.

Ministry continues as we use the spiritual gifts that we receive from the Holy Spirit. Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4 all discuss spiritual gifts. Every follower of Jesus receives spiritual gifts so they can minister.

Ministry may be formal like teaching and preaching or informal like encouraging and hospitality.

Your Turn

Take the time today to evaluate where you are and make the decision to move strongly into the ministry God has called you to.
If this has helped, use one of the links below to pass it on! As always, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email!