I wonder how you’d answer the question.... “What’s it like to believe in Jesus and to follow Him?”
For many, many years I’d have struggled to give a clear answer and probably much of my response would’ve been a doctrinal statement. You know, Jesus - the Son of God and a bunch of stuff that would probably be true but not captivating to the person asking the question.
Here’s an answer I was reminded of recently. It packs some punch and would be a good starting point for all followers of Jesus. See what you think....
"My calling is sure. My challenge is big. My vision is clear. My desire is strong. My influence is eternal. My impact is critical. My values are solid. My faith is tough. My mission is urgent. My purpose is unmistakable. My direction is forward. My heart is genuine. My strength is supernatural. My reward is promised. And my God is real. "I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged, or distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature or veneration. I have no time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit or surrender. "I am a minister. That is what I do." ~ Author Unknown
When I first read the statement it impressed me with it’s boldness and confidence and sense of assuredness. Now as I review it, that impression lingers but the pronouns ‘my’ and ‘I’ loom very large. I know what the person is trying to say... it reminds me of Peter declaring to Jesus that he was the man to be trusted, “I’ll never leave you or forsake you!”
So how would I answer the question? I’d start by changing the pronouns to ‘He’ and then read the entire declaration above inserting ‘His’ and ‘He’. When I do that I’m getting close to describing the relationship I’m growing into with Jesus. A relationship where His strength and faithfulness is what I depend upon. I’d declare His love as unconditional and His mercy and forgiveness as gifts without price wrapped in grace.
I’d passionately declare the power of Jesus to heal; how unbelievable it is to walk by his side. He’s given me a new identity empowering me to release his love through the many cracks of my imperfect life. Somehow he manages to transform old wounds and scars into badges of honor that draw attention away from my failure and bring the spotlight to rest on his amazing kindness and faithfulness. Best of all he invites me to ‘show and tell’ with him. In other words I have permission to boast about him to others and then invite them to ‘taste and see’ for themselves.
Whereas once I merely talked about beliefs I’m now free share his presence and facilitate a personal encounter. I no longer spend much time with intellectual arguments; rather I declare the goodness of God the Father’s heart and his love for the one I’m talking with. I illustrate through what he’s done in my brokenness rather than telling people what they have to do. I get a thrill out of daring them to give him a chance to show how real and personal he is. I’m still blown away when he does just that and I have to pass the Kleenex. Jesus has totally touched and changed my life - more than once. Don’t worry about words; ask for passion and experience and the rest will flow!