Don’t Just Believe in Jesus, Follow Him

Hello Family,

A few years ago, I decided to start working out. I was motivated, inspired, and ready to make a change. I watched some workout videos, bought the right gear, and even told my family, “I’m going to get in shape this year.”

The first week, I worked out a couple of times. The second week, maybe once. By the third week… I was not even trying anymore.

Here’s the thing, I believed in the idea of working out. I agreed with all the benefits. I even admire the people who are consistent. But when it came time to actually show up, to push through discomfort, to stick with it when I didn’t feel like it, I wasn’t living out what I claimed to believe.

A lot of us approach our faith the same way. We believe in Jesus. We talk about following Him. We even show up to church and read about Him. But when life gets hard, when obedience is uncomfortable, when it requires self-denial, are we still following, or just claiming to?

Jesus is not just a teacher, He is the living example of how we are called to live. In every situation, His life shows us the way. He shows us how to respond to difficulty, with trust in the Father; how to treat others, with grace and compassion; and most importantly, how to love God wholeheartedly and without compromise. Jesus modeled humility, obedience, mercy, patience, and unwavering faith.

As disciples of Jesus, we are not left to figure out life on our own. We don’t need to invent our identity, construct a perfect personality, or aimlessly search for meaning. We are followers of Jesus. Our identity is found in Him. We are called to imitate Him, in attitude, in behavior, in purpose.

We don't have to exhaust ourselves battling sin in our own strength. When we truly commit to following Jesus, we discover that life becomes clearer and more peaceful. Not necessarily easier in a worldly sense, but there is a joy and peace in knowing we are walking in the truth. Jesus told us what it means to follow Him:

Matthew 16:24–26

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus didn’t offer a comfortable path, but a meaningful one. Denying ourselves isn’t about self-hatred, it’s about surrendering control. Taking up our cross means choosing obedience even when it costs us. It means putting His will above our own and trusting that His way leads to life.

We often declare that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), yet our daily choices sometimes reveal a different allegiance. We say we believe in Him, but we don't always follow His example when things get hard.

Take Peter, one of Jesus’ closest companions. He loved Jesus deeply, walked alongside Him, witnessed His miracles, and even boldly proclaimed his loyalty. Yet, when the pressure came, Peter failed.

Mark 14:27–31

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:

‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”

But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

Peter wasn’t lying. He meant every word. He was ready to fight for Jesus, to swing a sword, to die if necessary. But he wasn’t ready to live for Jesus, to suffer in silence, to follow when confused or afraid, to deny himself instead of reacting from fear or pride.

When Peter cut off the ear of the soldier in the garden (John 18:10), he wasn’t following Jesus, he was trying to take control. He had a plan. He thought he knew how things should go. And in doing so, he momentarily stopped following and started leading.

But the story doesn’t end in failure. Jesus' love and forgiveness met Peter in his weakness. Jesus didn’t reject him, He restored him (John 21:7-19). Jesus’ grace humbled Peter and made his heart soft enough to truly receive the truth.

When we walk in the flesh, relying on our own strength and reacting to life out of fear, pride, or pain, we bear the fruits of the flesh: pride, bitterness, jealousy, self-righteousness, selfishness, and operating out of past wounds or insecurities.

And here’s the sobering truth: when our lives consistently reflect these things, we are no different from the crowd that cried out, “Give us Barabbas!” We may not realize it, but in our thoughts, words, and actions, we deny Christ. We choose something, anything, over Him.

But Jesus calls us back. Every day. Every moment. His invitation stands:

“Come, follow Me.”

So, take a moment to reflect. Look back over the past few days, weeks, years. Have your actions, words, and thoughts produced the fruits of the Spirit?

If not, it’s not too late. Jesus is ready to restore you, just as He did with Peter. All it takes is surrender. Don't waste time feeling guilty or ashamed, simply bring it to God and repent. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)