What does it mean to Follow Jesus? A few weeks ago, Steven Furtick preached a message where he compared following people on Twitter to following Jesus. To illustrate his point, he put his own account up on the big screen and then started following Justin Bieber. He had a lot of fun with this illustration.

When you “follow” someone on any social networking site the commitment is pretty shallow. For example I follow everyone from celebrities to internationally known ministers to students to college friends. Each one has something to say from the entertaining to inspirational to the mundane and, sometimes, the irrelevant. Most of the users on Twitter are following hundreds of people. That’s hundred of comments and voices to wade through each and every time you check you account. That is a ton of noise.

Pastor Steven drives home the difference between following people on a social networking site and following the King of Kings by saying this:

Here’s what I’m afraid of. I’m afraid that a lot of people when they say, “I’m a follower of Jesus” they’re following Jesus the same way I’m following Justin Bieber. Which is to say, “Ok, I’ll click the button. And Jesus , I’ll listen to what you have to say but I’m going to pick and choose what parts of what you have to say that I want to pay attention to. So if it works for me I’ll do it. If I feel like it, I’ll do it.”

But Jesus is not to be clicked on and followed.

He is to be worshipped. He’s to be obeyed. He’s to be revered. He’s to be respected. He’s to be honored. And he is not one among many. He is the One and Only God. And to follow him means- No other options. No other gods. “I’m  doing what you say. I’m going where you lead. I’m denying myself. Taking up my cross. And I’m following you and only you! You are the leader of my life!“

Discipleship isn’t signing a card or raising your hand. It isn’t nodding in agreement or simply taking notes.

Jesus said that we are to love him with all of our Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength. Following Jesus requires that we pattern everything that we are after our Savior. No other options. No other gods.

Step your Follow Up.