Are you really following Jesus?

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

What are the main characteristics in this scripture that Jesus describes of His sheep? Obviously, there are three. 1: They hear His voice. 2: He knows them. 3: They actually follow Him. Can it really be that simple? In reality yes. But …in life experience on this battlefield of earth – it can be a bit more difficult as anyone with significant life battle scars can attest.

First: How are you doing on the hearing His Voice part? Have you learned to recognize His voice within you? Can you recognize His voice in your mind / head? Does your heart resonate with His voice? Have you learned how to filter all those thoughts in your mind, bringing them all ‘captive to Christ’, so you can discern what is Him and what is not? This isn’t an easy life skill to attain. Why? It takes a strong established discipline that becomes a lifelong habit. One needs to understand the scriptures to know what He has said before. When we are ‘spiritually’ young He is like a loving parent with a toddler giving simple and plain instructions. As we grow and mature… the instructions get a little more difficult to follow, as they prick right at the very sin and iniquity in our lives. His instructions can become uncomfortable as they require giving up pride and self-desires, and require self-control and overcoming our fears THROUGH the Holy Spirit.

Second: He knows them. Do you have lots of two-way conversations with Jesus? Do you talk with Him throughout your day? Does He advise you? Does the Holy Spirit use situations around you to teach you? Are you open to His ongoing daily lessons? If you think about your daily life and all the things you do … how much of it actually involves … Him? Are there heartfelt moments with Him – regularly? If someone would ask Jesus if He really knew you from all of your conversations together… how would He answer them? How much do you really disclose to Him? (Confess from the deepest part of your soul) Is talking with Jesus one of your favorite things? Do you find your joy in talking with Him?

Third: They follow Him. Which seat does Jesus occupy in your life? Driver’s? Passenger? Backseat? Who leads on the hiking / walking path of your life? Is Jesus really ‘out front’ or are you just inviting Him to go with you. Are you really following His instructions to you personally? Is His plan what you seek … daily? I know many who call themselves “Christians”, but only know a few who really diligently try to live their lives ‘following’ Him even in the smallest details of their lives. Many can self-identify as Christian or being in “His family” – but what real evidence will they be able present at the end of their lives?

Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from Me, all you workers of evil!’ Luke 13:26-27

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23

Following Jesus is always an adventure. Following Jesus can be the most unpredictable thing you do… every day. Really following Jesus will require GREAT humility. You will have to be able to be honest with yourself and not constantly deceiving yourself …about the reality of your relationship with Him.

Father thank YOU for Jesus! Jesus… I want to walk WITH YOU! Holy Spirit … teach me the skills it takes to walk with Jesus … closely.