Who are you following?

"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up thy cross and follow me." - Mark 10:21

"Christians" are to be followers of Christ, right?

Following Christ, however, can sometimes be easier said than done. The verse above was Jesus' response to a man who knew who Christ was and asked him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Now, I know the verse is from the King James version of the Bible but it's plain and simple to see what Christ required of this man: sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, take up his cross and follow. Sounds simple right?

"And he was sad at that saying and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Mark 10:22

It was too much for this man to do. He went away...grieved.

So how about us? When God asks us to give something up (time, money, luxuries) do we stop and grievously say "Sorry Lord, I can't give that."

It leaves one to think then, that if we can't part with possessions or time or money for the sake of Christ, aren't we then placing these things in higher regard? above Christ and His cause?

If we can't part with our possessions, as this man in Mark couldn't (or wouldn't) then we can't follow Christ. If we aren't following Christ, then who are following?

Well, we have a few different options when it comes to this. If we aren't following Christ then there are 3 other possibilities:
1. Our own self
2. Other people
3. The Devil

Now we may directly be following after Satan himself but if we aren't following Christ, wouldn't you think Satan would be satisfied with that?

If we follow our own self and our own desires, that may please us but what is that worth? This man in Mark 10 was grieved because he put his possessions and desires first. Doesn't sound like a very fulfilling decision.

Following others is not the greatest choice either. The Bible tells us that "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go there in". It is good and important to have good examples in your life and influence but there will be a time when man will let you down. They will disappoint you. That is why we must ultimately fix our minds, hearts and desires to follow solely after Christ.

I think of the hymn, "I have decided to follow Jesus". The words are simple to sing, easy to remember and encouraging to strive for.

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back.
The world behind me the cross before me, no turning back, no turing back.

Take up your cross. Leave this world and it's possessions behind. Though you may go alone, follow Him.