How do I follow Jesus?

Following Jesus begins with a personal decision to trust Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus extended a simple but profound invitation to His first disciples: "Follow me" (Matthew 4:19). This call is the same today. It requires acknowledging that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, believing that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and surrendering your life to His lordship. Repentance and faith are the twin responses God requires: turning from sin and turning to Christ.

Once you have placed your faith in Jesus, following Him involves a lifelong process of growth called discipleship. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Discipleship means making Jesus the highest priority in your life, above comfort, reputation, possessions, and even family. It involves a daily choice to submit your will to His and to live according to His teachings as found in Scripture.

Practical steps for following Jesus include reading the Bible regularly to know God's will, praying daily to maintain your relationship with Him, joining a local church where you can worship, learn, and be accountable to other believers, and being baptized as a public declaration of your faith. Jesus commissioned His followers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Following Jesus also means allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your character, producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It means loving your neighbor, serving others, sharing the gospel, and persevering through trials. The Christian life is not easy, but it is the most meaningful and fulfilling life possible, because you are walking with the One who made you and loves you beyond measure.