Reverend Sean McIntyre, Centralia United Methodist Church
In a world where faith is often scrutinized and questioned, many of us find ourselves pondering the essence of Christianity. What truly defines a follower of Christ? Is it adherence to specific beliefs, regular church attendance, or perhaps a set of behaviors? While these aspects certainly play a role, the core of Christianity can be distilled into two simple yet profound words: “Follow me.”
These were the words Jesus used to call His disciples, and they remain the fundamental invitation to all who seek to be Christians today. Being a Christian means actively and genuinely following Jesus, regardless of our cultural background, personal experiences, or individual circumstances. This journey of faith is not a static state but a dynamic path that unfolds differently for each person.
The early church recognized this, referring to themselves as “followers of the Way.” This designation beautifully captures the essence of faith as a journey – a path with ups and downs, twists and turns, much like life itself. Sometimes we may find ourselves on a steep uphill climb, struggling to keep pace. Other times, we might be coasting downhill, carried by the momentum of our faith. There are flat stretches where progress seems imperceptible, and sharp turns that challenge our direction.
It’s crucial to understand that following Jesus doesn’t promise an easy life. In fact, when Jesus called His disciples, their lives became more challenging, not less. They were led into unfamiliar territories, pushed out of their comfort zones, and brought into relationships with people they might have otherwise avoided. The Christian life of service and self-sacrifice is inherently demanding and often exhausting.
Yet, there’s a beautiful paradox in this journey. Much like the experience of parenthood, the Christian walk can be simultaneously exhausting and deeply fulfilling. The challenges we face in following Christ stretch us, grow us, and ultimately bring us closer to the person we were created to be.
To navigate this journey effectively, we must be spiritually fit. Just as an athlete trains for a marathon, we need to cultivate practices that keep us spiritually healthy and prepared for whatever path Jesus leads us down. These essential practices for Christian living include worship and prayer, studying Scripture, serving others, giving generously, and sharing our faith.
For the complete column, see this week’s edition of the Centralia Fireside Guard
