Friday, August 19, 2016

August 20, 2016

"After this many of his disciples quit following him and did not accompany him any longer. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!” John 6:66-69

If you have been a Christ-follower for more than a few weeks you have had an unfollow moment. One of the keys to successfully following Jesus is how you handle those unfollow moments.

What is an unfollow moment?

In this post I will suggest a half a dozen examples of unfollow moments.

1) Terms

The followers of Jesus had unfollow moments when He confronted them with the terms of following Him. Up to this moment they were following Him for the bread and the miracles. It hadn't cost them anything to be a follower. But now that was changing! They would have to share in His suffering and trust in His sacrifice for their sins. No longer could they be consumers they would now have to commit. It was their moment to follow or unfollow.

You've had those moments haven't you? Perhaps you are there now.

2) Transitions

Life is filled with transitions isn't it? Maybe it is moving from high school to college life. Maybe it is moving from single life to married life. Perhaps it is a marriage that has gone bad. It could be the aftermath of a divorce. Possibly it is dealing with an unmistakable call from God upon your life.

Every major transition in life requires you to re-evaluate your commitment as a Christ-follower.

3) Testing

Difficult times that test your courage, commitment and confidence can cause a crisis of faith.

It might be a family crisis. It could be a financial setback. Perhaps you have received a problematic health diagnosis.

These are the sort of challenges that can test your faith and cause you to consider pushing the "unfollow" button with Jesus.

4) Temptations

A temptation is something that pulls you toward a direction or a decision that's not in your best interest. James makes it clear in his letter that the power of temptation is found in our base and fleshly desires. Temptations usually come in the form of a temptation toward sin.

Perhaps it is a shady business deal that you know you can get away with and make a killing at it. It might me a relationship that is unhealthy but has a hold on your heart.

So, here are four examples of hardships and hassles the Enemy may try to use to entice you away from following Jesus.

What can you do as a follower to keep from pushing the "unfollow? button?

I recommend you learn from Peter and pause to ask the question he asked, “Lord, to whom would we go?"

If you don't follow Jesus you will follow something else. What is more significant to give your life to and follow than following Jesus?

Asking that question should give you some clarity but if it doesn't, take the question one step deeper. 

"You have the words of eternal life."

If you unfollow Jesus where will you go to find eternal life? Who else has that? Who else can offer that to you? That's right! No one can! 

Be very cautious when you are tempted to unfollow Jesus!