Fully Devoted: An IntroductionSample

What Is a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ? 

A fully devoted follower of Christ is a student of Jesus. It’s someone who loves God with all that they are—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loves others the same way that Jesus loves us. 

Loving God with all our heart means desiring God over the things of this world. 

Loving God with all our soul means trusting God more than we trust ourselves. 

Loving God with all our mind means knowing God personally, intimately, and deeply. 

Loving God with all our strength means serving God with our very best. 

Loving others the same way that Jesus loves us means loving sacrificially, selflessly, and unconditionally. The most perfect picture of Jesus’ love is His voluntary death on a Roman cross for the sake of the world. He sacrificed Himself for the good of others when we didn’t deserve it. And that is a beautiful picture of how we’ve been called to love others. 

Becoming fully devoted doesn’t happen overnight. It happens over time as we commit ourselves to the ways and words of Jesus every moment of every day. This journey has traditionally been called discipleship. 

What is discipleship?

• Discipleship is a process: This journey isn’t a one-time decision, but a daily commitment. It takes time and effort. 
• Discipleship is the process of becoming like Jesus: This process should transform us as we open ourselves up to the power of God’s grace. And that transformation will form us into people who are more like Jesus. If we aren’t starting to look, live, and act more like Jesus, then we aren’t actually becoming fully devoted. 
• Discipleship is the process of becoming like Jesus for the sake of others: Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve. This ultimately meant giving His life as a ransom for many. As we become more like Him, our lives will be focused on others. We’re not here to elevate ourselves, but to follow the example of Jesus by serving others.

Remember, this is a journey of becoming fully devoted—dedicating our lives to the ways and words of Jesus so that we can love God with all that we are. And in turn, loving others the same way Jesus has loved us. 

Journaling Questions 

• Write down the memory verse for this week in your journal. What do you think those words would have meant to the original audience? How do they impact your life today? 
• How committed are you to this journey of becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ? Are there things holding you back from being all in? 
• Rate yourself on a scale of 1–10: How much do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Why did you give yourself that rating? How can you move your rating closer to 10?

Memory Verse

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 NIV