Following the Leader

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. ~Luke 22:54-55 (ESV)

Did you catch that? Peter was following Jesus even after He had been arrested. Only thing is, he got distracted and fearful and decided to blend in with the crowd by sitting with them around the fire. This is representative of how we can be following Jesus and suddenly find ourselves in a worldly mindset that promotes the denial of a personal savior. We might get up in the morning and commit the day to following Christ, but then allow it to slip from our grasp as we get involved in school, work, TV, hanging out with friends, etc. This is especially significant right now as we have so many things that we are surrounded with throughout the day that are made specifically for distraction and self-indulgence. What Jesus wants for us, however, is so much more. He understands that following Him will be a struggle, but that's why He offers a peace that passes all understanding and a passionate desire for His glory that, when practiced, far outweighs the temporary distractions of this world.

Nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. That's a sure shot. A done deal. So how about the flip-side of that? What can separate us from the love we have for God? Can life or death? Angels or demons? Friends or co-workers? Social media or TV? Laziness or...even something good, like ministry? The answer is yes. Our lack of ability to remain true to God 24/7 shows more clearly the unchanging quality of God's steadfast love toward us. And that's why Romans 12:2 is so important:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Staying on track with God requires constant renewal. Whenever we dive back into God's truth throughout the day--whatever format that might encompass--there occurs in us a transformation that sets us apart from the ways of the world. God loves to grant us His strength and peace in order that we might live more like Him. All we have to do is remember to follow Christ and return to His path again and again by allowing Him to lead us back when we turn aside. Jesus is, after all, the only leader worth following!