Consider the power and implication those words possessed as Jesus spoke them. So compelling was His call that men and women left everything to follow Him. Looking intently into their eyes – His hand outstretched – a smile on His face, “Follow Me.” Like lost sheep, they rejoiced to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd inviting them into His flock to something greater – to green pastures, quiet waters, and paths of righteousness – behind His loving leadership.
It can be confusing being a sheep. There are so many voices calling us to follow, but there is only one voice of the Good Shepherd. And His words are different. Gracious words. Amazing words. Powerful words. Life-giving words. God’s Words.
For thousands of years, people had to physically sit under someone’s teaching in order to follow them. Not any more! Now, you and I can become someone’s disciple with only a click or tap.
We may have smart phones, but some of us aren’t nearly as smart. Sitting under the steady drip, drip, drip of our digital connections, we give people (even strangers) direct and instant access to our hearts and minds for better or worse – little by little, post by post, image by image, video by video, tweet by tweet. Whether we realize it or not, they become our teacher and we their pupil.
Many believe there is strength in numbers – safety in the crowd – or is there?
This is not an attack on social media, and I’m certainly not suggesting we sever all our digital relationships, but I am saying we should reconsider their power and influence in our lives. We must be selective and use Philippians 4:8 as a filter: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (ESV).
So who are you following?
Perhaps it’s time to follow Jesus in such a way that gives Him preeminence in our lives. To hear and rejoice in His voice over all others. Not with a click or a tap, but with our heart.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jesus, John 10:27 NASB).
#FollowMe
Spread the Word!
© 2015 Tim McKenzie
On Every Word Ministries
www.OnEveryWord.com