Perception

Perception is everything. Your perception will become your reality. How you perceive Jesus' role in your life means everything.

One of my favorite verses of scripture comes from the Gospel account of Matthew where Jesus says this to His disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Do you follow Jesus? Or do you walk side by side? Following means He leads and you are ok with being covered in the dust that kicks up off of His sandals as you walk closely behind. Walking side by side implicates a sense of independency that can lead to a dangerous perception of Jesus as a support system.

Is it semantics? Is it over analyzing? Is it simply verbiage?

I don't think so. If our perception of our role as Christ followers is anything but blindly following our Shepherd's voice, the reality of our relationship will follow.

As 2011 comes to a close it's natural to re-examine the various areas of our lives. I encourage you to join me in re-examining this: where's Jesus? Is He leading or is He your hype man that you acknowledge only when the spot light on you goes off?

Today I choose to follow You.

///Bryan Ball, Student Ministries Director///