HARD TRUTH

We often shrink “following Christ” into a small, convenient box we build for ourselves in this busy world and then feel satisfied with that version. Haven’t you seen people judged for missing one Sunday service? Haven’t you seen people criticized for not dressing the way others expected? Haven’t you seen people create man-made rules about how to follow Jesus based on their own legalistic mindset?

We live in a time where celebrity leaders often shape Christianity, each group setting its own standards, methods, and expectations. Some follow one group, others follow another, and in the middle, many believers end up confused, unsure of what is true and what is authentic.

But is following Christ simply going to church every Sunday?

Does it mean reading your Bible every day?

Does it mean praying every day?

Does it mean checking off a Christian to-do list created by someone else out of convenience?

If that’s all it is, then we’ve missed the point entirely.

In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine to explain our relationship with Him. He is the true vine, and the Father is the gardener. Every branch connected to Jesus is lovingly pruned so that it can bear even more fruit. But branches that do not remain in Him wither and die, because true life comes only from staying connected to Him.

According to this passage, we can only truly say we are following Jesus when we are united with Him. And the evidence of that connection is fruit. Many people assume that this “fruit” refers to material success or the size of one’s influence, but Scripture teaches otherwise. The fruit Jesus speaks of is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the true marks of those who are connected to Jesus.

We cannot produce this fruit on our own. Even when we appear successful externally, the moment we begin to rely solely on our own strength, we disconnect from Jesus and lose direction. Following Jesus means fully depending on Him. It requires surrender. Without surrender, we cannot experience the life and power God desires for us.

In Luke 18:18 -21, the story of the rich young ruler gives us a clear picture of this truth. The young man comes to Jesus, asking how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus reminds him of the commandments, and the ruler confidently replies that he has kept them since his youth. But Jesus gently exposes the real issue of his heart: his attachment to wealth. When Jesus instructs him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man walks away sorrowful, because he treasures his possessions more than God. Jesus then teaches that it is difficult for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom. But what is impossible for people is always possible with God.

The rich young ruler’s true god was his wealth. Jesus is not against material possessions. He is against anything becoming an idol in our hearts. For some, that idol might be money; for others, fame, social status, ministry success, relationships, or even personal appearance. The first step to following Jesus is laying down every idol and choosing Him as our only source.

The good news is that Jesus does not expect perfection from us. We are all works in progress. He is continuously pruning us so that we become more like Him. In agriculture, pruning involves removing unhealthy or unproductive parts of a plant to help it thrive. When we stay connected to Jesus, He does the same with us, transforming us from the inside out. A branch cannot prune itself. Its only responsibility is to remain connected to the vine and trust the gardener’s loving work.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” He encouraged the early church to imitate his walk with Jesus. Today, we must be discerning about the voices that influence our faith. True Christian leaders produce Christ-like fruit. Jesus warned that wolves would come in sheep’s clothing, but He said you will know them by their fruit.

To follow Jesus is to stay connected to Him, allowing his word to dwell in us, and allowing His Spirit to produce fruit in our lives. When He is our source, then we are truly following Him.