Q:
What does it mean to follow Jesus? My life is so busy that I can't imagine taking a couple of hours every day to pray, like I guess saintly people are supposed to do.
A:
Some men and women may be called by God to do exactly what you say; over the years, I’ve been humbled to meet some of them. When I get to heaven, I’m sure I’ll discover just how important they were in God’s work. The Apostle Paul was convinced his work could only go forward “as you help us by your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:11).
But most of us aren’t called to a ministry of prayer like this (although the Bible reminds us to pray in every situation). What, then, does it mean to follow Jesus? First, it means to be committed to Him as our Saviour and Lord. This means we want Him to be the master of our lives instead of trying to run them ourselves. Have you turned over the control of your life to Him?
Following Christ also means we seek to obey Him every day. He knows what is best for us and has told us how He wants us to live in His Word, the Bible. Is it part of your life every day, and are you allowing its truth to shape your mind and heart?
Finally, following Christ means seeing others through His eyes. Christ loved the world so much that He was willing to give His life for our salvation. Is His Holy Spirit filling us with His love, and are we seeking to touch others for Christ? The Bible says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2).