To travel on Jesus’ road to success is to go in the opposite direction to the world. Though I do not believe that Jesus wants his followers to be living one pay cheque away from financial ruin, I also do not believe that he wants his followers to see their walk with him as a sure road to riches. So, those who are promoting either poverty or riches as divine virtues are best ignored along the way.
Instead, the very fact that Jesus promises to provide all we need to do his will is enough for us to launch into service. Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This, of course, is a discipline to be learned during our journey between here and heaven. It is through faith experiences that we develop trust; trust that following in Jesus’ steps is both possible and productive.
To walk in Jesus’ steps is to follow the pattern of his life and mission. He did what needed to be done to save our souls, and we are to do what needs to be done to share that message. Jesus’ work of salvation involved resistance, persecution, and inevitable death by crucifixion. Our work of salvation will also involve resistance, persecution, and inevitable death by crucifixion—but our death is spiritual; we take up our cross and follow Jesus. Thus, we are dead to our old life where we walked in the direction of the world.
Christians walk with a family of millions; some they know, others they will only meet on the last day. However, identifying one another is made easy by noting the manner and direction of our fellow travellers’ footsteps. Where Jesus’ followers walk there is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
These are the fruit of the Spirit that work in us as we walk and in Jesus’ steps.
John Staiger
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