Grow: Becoming More Like JesusSample

GROWING ROOTS

Accepting Jesus (or "starting a relationship with Jesus" or "inviting Jesus into your life" or "becoming a Christian") is not the same thing as following Jesus. It's just the first step in a lifetime of steps.

Sadly, some people never move past accepting Jesus. They say "yes" to his forgiveness, enjoy the moment, and then set it aside. Maybe they think "following Jesus" is like following someone on social media, which is totally passive. All you need to do is click a link, swipe a screen, or confirm a request.

But following Jesus requires us to be actively and intentionally connected to him personally. We can't just check in now and then, or mute his updates or ignore the notifications. We need to make time to be with him, to listen to him, to learn about him, and to learn from him. 

In these verses, Paul writes: 

"Just as you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught..."

Accepting is step one. Following is every step that comes after that.

TO THINK ABOUT

What's the difference between accepting and following?

What are some ways you can become a deep follower of Jesus ("let your roots grow down into him")?

What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of your life?