Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard "Rip" Hamilton, LeBron James. What do these celebrities have in common? Each of these athletes surrounds himself with a tight-knit circle of followers. The key to each of these groups is that it is made up of people who have known each other since childhood. When Rip Hamilton made it big in the NBA, his group of friends from his neighborhood made it big with him. When Dale Jr. is at home taking a break from NASCAR, he is usually with his group of childhood friends. LeBron James is a little different; his friends actually form a management group that handles much of his business ventures.
While they may differ somewhat, one thing is true: for the friends of these celebrities, being a follower has its benefits. Life as LeBron's business manager is probably better than working a regular nine to five job, right?
Read Matthew 16:24-26. Jesus had a lot to say about being a follower. He did not promise fame. He did not promise fortune. He did not promise comfort. But look at what He did promise: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
There are two truths in this scripture passage worth mentioning. First, Jesus absolutely, positively commands that we follow Him. There is no other way around it. Christ does not desire your lukewarm commitment. He expects 100 percent of your devotion. Second, He expects your devotion knowing full well the cost of following Him. Jesus knows your road will be tough. He knows following Him is not easy. So, why does He still command us to be His disciples?
The answer is easy: Jesus knows that following Him leads to life... Life free from the penalty of sin... Life free from the power of death. Jesus longs for you to follow after Him, and to lead others to do the same.
While it might not have the same privileges of this world, following Jesus does have its benefits. So... what are you waiting for?
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