Follow Through

Great golfers know the meaning of follow through. In fact, they have a saying that sums up its importance: “Where you end up tells a lot about how you got there.” In other words, the lack of follow through severely limits the distance the golf ball will travel.

As in golf, so in the Christian life: follow through is what matters most!

On one occasion, when giving instructions about what it meant to be one of His disciples Jesus said this: “Truly you are my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” In only a few words, Jesus presents a complete picture of discipleship.

Christian discipleship begins with accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord. It acknowledges our sinful condition and that He alone can save us by His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave.

Christian discipleship requires that we constantly remain in God’s Word. We must listen carefully to the voice of God that speaks to us as we read and meditate on His Word and spend time with Him in prayer. Unless we take time to be with Him and open our minds and hearts to Him we will never come to know Him.

Christian discipleship demands that we live a life of obedience to the teachings of God’s Word. We study God’s Word to learn what He would have us to do and live as He would have us to live. The truth that Jesus gave us is designed for action not intellectual satisfaction!

Follow through for the Christian means that we behave what we profess to believe. It is being faithful to Jesus’ teachings.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to be more than believers who simply know what You taught. May we surrender our lives completely to You and live Your truth each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 8:31-32 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”