Following Jesus Together

Introduction

To conclude our series on relational health, let's explore a fundamental truth: Our relationships can be healthier when we follow Jesus together. As Christians, we've witnessed firsthand how Jesus heals, restores, and strengthens relationships. The Author of Love Himself is eager to teach us how to love others better, communicate effectively, and become true members of His family. But the question remains: Do we fully understand what it means to follow Jesus as His disciples? How do we follow Jesus together?

The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:1-17, outlines four important decisions that we need to make everyday as followers of Jesus. By choosing to do this every day, we not only become faithful disciples who are choosing to follow Him together but also experience healthier relationships with others wherever we go.

Four Decisions

1. Focus on the promises of God. (Colossians 3:1-4) - Because of our union with Christ, just like the church in Colossians, we are now called to live with our eyes fixed on the eternal. This mindset should affect every aspect of our lives as followers of Jesus. This means living our lives in light of eternity. We should prioritize the things that matter to God over those that matter to the world. As those who are now in Christ, we must let go of earthly mindsets and focus on God and what truly matters to Him. And if we learn from the life of Christ, we see that love for God and others is at the heart of what matters to Him. We will explore this further in the next verses.

2. Participate in the work of God. (Colossians 3:5-11) - As children of God whose identity is now rooted in Christ, we are given the grace to participate in God's work of sanctification in our lives. Transformation is a work that only God can accomplish within us, but it requires our participation. We must do our part by training ourselves to be godly, not allowing our sinful nature to dominate us as they did before we became followers of Jesus. Participating in God's work within us will shape us into individuals who respond to others with love. This is possible by God's grace because Christ is at work within us.

3. Imitate the character of God. (Colossians 3:12-14) - If we are called to put to death and eliminate our sinfulness as part of our transformation, we are also called to put on and clothe ourselves with the character of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we should live according to His ways. And because Jesus is the embodiment of love, walking in His ways means walking in love toward others. This brings us back to the greatest commandment: love God and love others. God desires us to be a people of love, and this is only possible if we imitate Christ. 

4. Live as the people of God. (Colossians 3:15-17) - As followers of Jesus, we are members of one body and are called to live as God's people. This involves allowing the peace of Christ to unite us and grounding ourselves in the word of God as we learn and grow together. We are also called to be thankful and worship God together with gratitude in our hearts. Being God's people also means doing everything in the name of Jesus. If we live as His people, not only will our relationships be healthier, but others will also recognize us as disciples of Jesus because we love one another. This will also provide more opportunities to share God's love with our families and the communities around us.

Conclusion

Relationships will always be a part of our lives. As followers of Jesus Christ, our calling is to love God and others unconditionally. While it may be challenging at times, we have everything we need in Christ. By God's grace, we can live as God's people, being transformed into Christlikeness daily. As we become more like Christ, we can hope for healthier relationships at home, in our communities, and in our church. Although we cannot achieve this on our own, as we follow Jesus together, we can continue to learn from Him and be changed by Him. Our relationships can be healthier when we follow Jesus together. Are we ready to truly follow Jesus together? May we be a church where life-giving relationships flourish, and by God's grace, may more and more people come to know Jesus Christ through the testimony of our loving relationships with one another.

Discussion

1. What does it mean to "focus on the things of God" in your daily life? How can you prioritize the eternal over the temporal?

2. How can you actively participate in God's work of sanctification in your life? What specific steps can you take to put to death your sinful desires and clothe yourself with the character of Christ?

3. What does "walking in the way of God" look like for you in your relationships with others? How can you love others more deeply and consistently?

4. How can you live as a member of God's people within your church community? What specific actions can you take to promote unity, peace, and growth among fellow believers?

5. What challenges do you face in following Jesus together as a community? How can you overcome these challenges and strengthen your relationships with one another?