What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?  While I can say that following Jesus is more than words; more than dreams; and more than thoughts…I stumble a little.  I feel this blog friend has a much better and clearer idea of being a follower/disciple of Jesus, and has devoted his ministry & blog to probing it.  To me, being a follower is something personal-something that forms inside a person and works its way out.  I read an interesting story recently about Ernest Hemingway.

He once stated,  “I live in a vacuum that is as lonely as a radio tube when the batteries are dead, and there is no current to plug into.”  That is startling considering he is considered the example of the quintessential man’s man.  Known for his tough-guy image and globe trotting escapades, he was a big game hunter, a bullfighter, and a man who could drink the best of them under the table.  He was also married four times and seemed to live his life without moral restraint or conscience.  But on a sunny Sunday morning in Idaho, he blew his brains out.

What many don’t know is that he was raised in a solid evangelical home.  His grandparents were missionaries, and his father was a devoted churchman and best friend of D.L.Moody.  He was active in the life of his church, even serving as a choirboy. 

Then came WWI, and he went away as a war correspondent and saw the death and despair only a war like that can bring.  He soured on his Christianity, slowly throwing off the mantle of his upbringing, denying the validity and credibility of the Christ he once embraced.  (my version)

This is not a post about did he/did he not lose his salvation.  I think a more appropriate one would be “did he ever have a relationship with Jesus to start with?”  Were his early formative years spent getting to know Jesus personally, or did he do like so many other do: go through the motions?  I can’t judge that one way or another.  I am simply asking a question to breach a gap.  Authentic Christianity is composed of non-negotiated followers who are progressively moving toward Jesus, and trying to get to know Him more deeply.   You see, the point I want to make Sunday is this is not about Hemingway’s life.  It is about you, and me, and where our lives intersect with Jesus’ influence upon it.

I begin a new series this Sunday, and as you can tell it is based around the theme: “Transformed by His Presence.”  I plan to spend the next two months taking a closer look at people who were transformed by being with Jesus.  I have told the folks here that I believe they will be surprised at the people I have chosen.  They are not the normal fare.  So, may I ask you to pray for me, for us?

Meanwhile, how about answering this: what is a follower to you?

Thanks to Dan for the banner.  🙂