Following God the Influencer, or the Infinite God on High?

It’s funny how one word can be understood in different ways!

Look at these two meanings of follow:

   1. keep informed about, watch, and observe closely

   2. adhere to, practice, or take as a model, imitate  

Now for internet surfing, the first is understandable. We ‘follow’ all the time. We might have an influencer, a news site, or a music celebrity that we ‘follow' in such a way. We might follow the latest about a new medication, diet, fashion, or game.

What do we do with more serious stuff, like God? He is the epitome of serious stuff!

He does not get ‘followed’ very easily. He says it himself:

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  Luke 11:10

That is seeking!  and...

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. Psalm 119:1-3

Here, "follow his ways" sounds like even more serious business. No dipping into a new topic or looking over a new thought for today here. His ways are not just a fad to pick up. "Seek him with all their heart" has real depth to it. Here is seeking to know Him with all that you are-- the whole heart.

The Infinite God asks for more:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  Deuteronomy 6:5

This blows ‘follow’ meaning number one all to pieces. Even meaning number two falls short. We are to do more. To love, and to love HIM with everything we’ve got.  The overflowing love from that is what flows out the people, loved ones, and needy around us.

These verses fit better the second category of ‘follow’  "taking as a model, imitating each day and adhering to."  That is just what God asks of His 'followers.'  It takes concentration, devotion, and purposeful time and energy. Like the above image of the sheep, we sheep have no other life but following after him, the shepherd who provides water, safety, and green pastures--in a word--life!

What about you? Are you treating God as an influencer who hands out hints about how to live better? Or is He the Infinite God on High who has given HIS all to bring us to Himself, even to dying for us on that cross?

Look at your meaning of ‘follow’ and see if it measures up to this great God! Then come and follow in spirit and truth, with your whole heart, mind, spirit, and strength. That is what HE asks of us.

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Matthew 10:38

Serious stuff, indeed!

Image 'Be Ye Followers of Me' by Naomi Brown, available at Havenlight.com, found on Pinterest.