Throughout the Gospels, we read of Jesus challenging individuals with a simple, but life-changing, command: "Come follow Me." Though it is possible that Jesus used this phrase many more times throughout His life, there are at least 23 recorded moments in the Gospels. However, many overlook the fact that Jesus did not just use this phrase when calling His disciples but also directed this command toward others He encountered.

If we find ourselves asking the question, "Am I called to evangelize?", then we must also ask ourselves, "Am I a follower of Christ?". As followers of Christ, we are all called to follow and exemplify the life He lived. Although many Christians use the words "believer" and "follower" interchangeably, each word has vastly different implications. We must note that Jesus is not asking the question, "Do you believe in Me?" but is issuing the command to come follow Him. The devil and his demons tremble (James 2:19), because they too believe Christ to be the Son of God. We must not stop at belief in Christ, but must step into being His followers. Mark 10:7-27 tells the story of the Rich Young Ruler, who, unlike the 12 disciples, denies the opportunity to follow Jesus. This serves as a sobering example that while many might believe in Christ, not all of them choose to follow Him - each person must count the cost for themselves (Luke 14:28, 33). Those of us who say we believe must also respond by following Him.

Looking to Jesus as the primary example of Christianity, we see Him living a life that revealed the Father’s heart. His mission was to seek and to save that which has been lost (Luke 19:10). What was it that had been lost? Humanity standing in right relationship with God. As true followers of Christ, we must not compare our lives against those around us, but rather, to the standard given to us by Jesus. It is Christ we are following, and there is no greater pursuit offered to us in this life. His Word is not just inspiration but an invitation to live as Christ in the earth. ”For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21

There will come a day when many will stand before Jesus, fully aware that He endured beatings, whippings, humiliation, and crucifixion for them, yet will struggle to explain why they didn't share His love with others. Will saying: “I just wasn’t called to evangelize,” be enough?

Challenge: Examine the fruit of your life. Are you truly following Christ’s example? Read Luke 14:15-35. Allow the Holy Spirit to identify areas where you have the opportunity to step into a full pursuit of Him.

- 1 John 2:6: "Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did."

- 1 Peter 2:21: "To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."