My thoughts turn to the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17, "Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’" I read this account and I am overwhelmed at the zeal of this young man. He ran and he knelt at Jesus’ feet. Sounds to me like this man meant business and was serious about being a follower of Jesus. One thing he lacked, though, was that he wasn’t willing to come to Jesus on Jesus’ terms. He really thought he wanted to be a follower, but he didn’t want anything to change in his life. According to Jesus, that is a sign one is not a follower. Now we’re touching a nerve! Most people I know would call themselves "Christian" or at least say that they believe in God. They may even know some Bible verses and go to church somewhere. America is even dubbed a "Christian nation" by the world. But statistics show there aren’t a whole lot of differences in the ailments of the world outside the church compared to inside the church. Maybe part of the problem is that we preachers are misrepresenting Jesus’ invitation. Maybe we too eagerly cry out for people to come to Jesus and when they run and kneel at the "altar", we jump on them, recite a few verses, ask a couple of questions and then reassure them that they are now saved! We then baptize them, make them church members and send them on their way. And Jesus’ words echo in my ears... "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

What is Jesus saying to us? How does this fit in with all the rest of what Jesus said about salvation? Jesus allowed the rich young ruler to walk away. We read that Jesus gave him an ultimatum and the man was unwilling to take up the cross and follow Jesus. It is recorded that the rich young ruler went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Jesus didn’t turn him away; He only told him the truth. The man chose not to follow! The man wanted to be counted a disciple but didn’t want to follow. The man wanted to have eternal life but on his own terms. Can we see what is going on? This is the age old problem man has always had: unwillingness to come to God on God’s terms. Jesus invites people to come to Him for salvation, but there is this one thing...we must come to Jesus on His terms. "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

I can hear the Evangelical screaming as I write this: "Now you’re preaching works salvation! It’s by faith that we are saved and not of our works!" I agree wholeheartedly that there is no other way to be saved than that of faith in Jesus Christ. Anything we do trying to earn eternal life is filthy rags and dung in God’s sight. But then we must return to Jesus’ words and figure out what it means to "come after" Jesus, denying ourselves and taking up our cross and following Him. I’d like to suggest that part of being a follower of Jesus is allowing Him to be the sole driving force in our lives. He is Lord and Master and there is nothing else before Him in our priorities and desires. The rich young ruler’s actions and words sound pretty good at first, but then we see that he is not really wanting Jesus to be Lord of his life. He wants eternal life on his own terms. Whoops! He let it slip and now we see a small picture of his heart. Maybe we are teaching people to say all the right words, but their hearts are really far from God. Is there more to being a Christian than saying all the "right words?" We say yes but then who is to judge? Maybe it is time we use discernment from the Holy Spirit, not to condemn, but to inspect fruit in "Christian’s" lives so that we don’t allow people to deceive themselves. (And of course not overlooking sin in our own life.)

It is time for us to take a hard look at what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In all the gospels, Jesus says to come after Him. He repeats it over and over, "Come to Me...". Yes, come to Jesus! Salvation is a free gift that can never be earned. But after we come to Him, He indeed will begin to change us. It is inevitable. It must happen. It is impossible to come to Jesus and for one’s life to remain the same! Repentance is proven by fruit produced (Acts 26:20)! And Jesus words ring out, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

I’m weary of everybody being a "Christian". I struggle to know how to witness to those who have been churched and think that I’m an old judgmental, right wing fundamentalist who thinks only I and a select few will be in heaven. They think I need to loosen up and be loving, merciful and accepting of everybody just like Jesus was. (By the way, it is my prayer to be loving, merciful and accepting of people exactly like Jesus was!) I am tempted at times to change the message, especially when people walk away. I want to shout out, "Stop! I was only joking. It’s really not that difficult. Just repeat these words and then go on the best way you think. You’re young and God doesn’t really expect you to be different. Go live like everybody else and "enjoy" the worldly life, but just be careful." I’m tempted to tell people, "God wants you just as you are, and maybe there will be no change in your life, but just go to church and try to do what’s right. We are all good people and do your best." But then I hear Jesus words, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

Are we followers of Jesus Christ or do we just call ourselves Christians? You tell me. What is Jesus saying?

By Pastor Tim Kennell