The Path to Following Jesus: A Guide for Modern Followers

Many people wonder to what extent they should strive to emulate Jesus. While not a believer myself, I understand the profound impact his teachings have had on individuals and societies. Jesus’ life and teachings offer a profound guide that can enhance personal and communal well-being.

Recognizing the Consequences of His Example

While following Jesus is an essential aspect of many faiths, it is vital to acknowledge the historical and cultural context in which he lived. For instance, being different or challenging the status quo often leads to persecution. Witches and those who were deemed different faced severe consequences. Similarly, racism and other forms of discrimination have a long and painful history. Would we truly want to bear such burdens for the sake of following his example? Despite this, his teachings continue to inspire and guide many.

Sacrifice and Redemption Through Christ

The reason for Jesus’ death and resurrection lies in the belief that God provided a means for humanity to be saved through the sacrifice of Christ. This sacrifice served as a means to forgive sin and offer hope for eternal life. As earthly creatures, we are often tempted and face our own struggles. Through Christ, we find the path to salvation and redemption. This is why many choose to follow his teachings.

Living Our Lives to the Fullest

John Lennon’s famous line, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” echoes the idea that living life to the fullest is paramount. We have but one life, and it should be filled with joy, love, and connection. Not all of life’s adventures are glamorous or easy, but they are meaningful. We should embrace joy in the simple pleasures and moments of life.

Striving to Be Excellent to Each Other

The essence of Jesus’ teachings can be summed up in his words to "be excellent to each other." This simple yet powerful message invites us to cease the meaningless conflicts and divisions that arise from tribal identities or debates that provide no real benefit. Instead, we should focus on humility, honesty, and compassion, striving to do the right thing for our fellow human beings, regardless of who they are.

A Call to Humility and Love

One of the biggest traps that many Christians and spiritual individuals fall into is the tendency to feel superior due to their faith. This sentiment is reminiscent of the Pharisees, who followed the rules yet lost sight of the core message of love. Instead of focusing on laws and rules, we should prioritize love. Accepting others as they are and loving them unconditionally brings immense joy and peace. This method allows us to spread the message of Jesus and create positive change in the world.

Be the Light of the World

We should strive to emulate Jesus in all things at all times. This means avoiding behaviors that may detract from our role as a positive influence in the world. For example, verses like “Be not drunk with wine” and the apostle Paul’s admonishments not to sin for the sake of manifesting Christ’s grace are not mere suggestions but essential guidelines. Sinning for the sake of grace is counterproductive. Through our actions, we can be a shining light in a dark world, potentially being the only example of Jesus some people will ever see. Let us strive to be our best.