Someone asked me, “What is true faith?” I responded, “It starts at the time you decide to follow Jesus.” I believe this was the answer that was most appropriate in that situation. However, faith encompasses more, far more. But let’s start by talking about decision.
When Jesus called his disciples, he gave them a command, “Come, follow me.” This was Jesus’ call to Simon, Andrew, James and John who were fishermen preparing to launch out into the lake. He promised to make them fishers of people (Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22). Jesus found Philip and said the same thing, “Follow me” (John 1:43). Later, as he walked along, Jesus saw Levi sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and “Levi got up and followed him” (Mark 2:14; Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27).
This idea of coming and following Jesus is regularly spoken of in the Gospel of John as believing in him. The man born blind, whom Jesus healed, understood that to believe was a call to come and become a disciple by following him. After the man was expelled from the synagogue, Jesus found him and asked, “’Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (John 9:35-38).
The Roman governor Felix is a classic example of someone who was convicted, but postponed a decision, never to make it. He did not decide Paul’s case at the trial, but later sent for him from prison and listened to him, “Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come.” Felix became afraid, and said, “That is enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you” (Acts 24:24-25). The convenient time never came. Felix’ indecision to follow and obey revealed an unbelieving heart.
Jesus’ call is for everyone. He said, ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:28-30). It has two commands, 1) “Come to me,” and 2) “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” Taking the yoke means to hear, understand, to submit and obey. Does this seem difficult? Jesus encourages us, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”
I’ve heard many people say, “I believe. I’m fine.” However, those same people have never made a decision to follow Jesus. They have not even taken this first step of faith. To have true faith is to decide to follow Jesus. To have true faith is to reaffirm that decision daily.
