A heart-felt welcome to those of you who have clicked over from the Encouragement for Today devotion I have running at Proverbs 31 and on Crosswalk.com. If you haven’t yet read the devotion, catch up with the rest of us by clicking here.
Well, what is your “following distance”? Do you cling closely by, linger a little bit behind or actually hide in the shadows?
As mentioned in my devotion, following Jesus closely was difficult for me as a new believer. Not only was I young, but I didn’t have a close network of Christian friends nearby to encourage me or to offer support when I felt my new-found faith challenged. It caused me a lot of heartache and resulted in some regretful choices.
Over the years, I have observed many Christians whom I feel are naturals at following Jesus closely. However, upon more careful investigation, I have discovered that, although it might seem second nature to them to follow closely behind the Lord, they actually can offer tips for all of us that will enable us to cling close too, even in the midst of a worldly culture. Here are some of them:
- Fly the Jesus flag early. A sweet friend who passed away a few years ago from cancer was such a bold witness for Christ to many in her sphere of influence. I often marveled at how comfortable she was speaking of Jesus and giving God the credit for the successes in her life. She didn’t seem to have the same disconnect I often had when talking to those whom I knew didn’t give a hoot about the things of God. When I asked her about this, her simple answer was to “fly the Jesus flag early” in any new relationship I had. The sooner others know where you stand, she said, the less awkward things can get. She assured me that when other knew her convictions, they were more apt to respect her beliefs and it helped avoid many touchy situations. She suggested that we naturally weave our belief in and love for God into our early conversations with others. Good advice!
- Keep proper perspective when it comes to the fear of God and the fear of man. My 14 year-old son Mitchell’s entire church camp theme this summer was on this very topic. Their guest speaker challenged the teens to care more about God and what He thought of their decisions in social situations than they did of their peers and and their opinions of them. Ten, twenty or even fifty years from now it will not matter what others thought of us. However, God’s opinion of us will be important throughout eternity!!! And I have found, thanks to the tool that is the Internet, that even though in high school it seemed others ridiculed my faith in God, 25+ years later, classmates have come forward and told me that they remember my faith in God and they actually respected me for it.
Here are some verses that challenge us in this area of fearing God and not man:
- For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. I Chronicles 16:25
- Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Psalm 66:16
- A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. Proverbs 14:16
- Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
- The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6
- Next, remember two are better than one. Find at least one close friend who too desires to follow hard after Jesus. They can provide the moral support to make good choices. It isn’t just a clever saying that there is strength in numbers, it is biblical!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
- Ask God for boldness, courage and strength. James 4:2b says, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” It seems simple, but often we don’t think to go to God and ask Him for what we know we cannot do on our own. When He grants it, it will be so evident that it is from Him that He alone will get the credit. Be bold. Beg God!
Well, what about you? Do you find it easy or challenging to follow closely behind Jesus? What can tempt a Christian to pursue Him from a distance? Any tips for being bold, but respectful in our walk with God? We’d love to hear from you!
And….you just might win a way cool prize that will help you follow God more closely!
One fortunate gal will be chosen from among those who leave a comment to win a Bible study basket-in-a-box complete with a journal, pretty pen, some flavored teas, notecards for recording verses to memorize and a copy of Proverbs 31 president Lysa TerKeurst’s new book Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl.
Comments please?
May we all be faithful followers……
Nice post Karen. It definitely is giving me something to think about. I do fly that Jesus flag proudly, but I’m kinda hung up on the friend point you made. Support is so important and I liked your “two is better than one”, but it’s hard to find that someone with everyone’s busy schedules. My Christian friends always seem so busy with their families or work. It’s hard to find someone that has the same time to read, reflect, and share as I do. But I will continue to ask in prayer. I do love all you Proverbs 31 women and get such encouragement from your devotions and blogs. I’m grateful you all share so much. Lysa’s book would be great, thanks for the chance to win it!
Dear Karen,
Thank you for this message. Over the years as my relationship with Christ has grown I have come to many conclusions. One conclusion is that many people want to know more about Christ than they let on. For the most part, they have a desire to dig deeper, but even as most devout Christians face, they fear what everyone is going to think. It may seem like they are not listening or are disinterested, but in fact they are taking in every word. I often refer to these people as “closet Christians” just waiting to come out.
Second, I’ve noticed that the more bold I have become for standing up for Christ the more credibility I have with others. Who is going to ask someone for prayer if that person doesn’t stand up for the God they serve? It’s at these times that God is using our “unspoken testimonies” to witness for us on our behalf. In today’s world people are watching more than they are listening.
Confidence is key. When you know God, I mean truly know God, I think it is impossible not to reflect Him in everything you do.
Be blessed,
Melissa
New Jersey
My daughter has inspired me to be much bolder about my faith. She has such a passion for telling others about Christ and living for Him. Her mission this spring was to make sure all the girls in her dance class knew about Jesus, and over the summer she’s been witnessing to our neighbor and her two grown sons. (Did I mention that she’s only five–turning six next week?) Instead of allowing myself to become uncomfortable or even embarrassed, I have chosen to embrace her boldness and encourage her.