When you think of what God wants—what God wants from you—what comes to mind? Did you know that God doesn’t want Christians? He wants disciples! The word Christian is used three times in the entire New Testament and then only because Jesus’ followers were becoming too ethnically diverse to be regarded as a sect within Judaism. Jesus didn’t say to go into the world to make Christians but to make disciples! The Bible uses this word 269 times. Being a disciple is about understanding the word of God, understanding your purpose, and doing Kingdom work!
You should hunger for more than a continuation of life as you know it; you should hunger for eternity. Eternal life is not just about an eternal existence. Ask yourself if you’re an innie or an outie! Stop thinking about the Gospel as simply the minimum entrance requirements to get into heaven. Eternal life is not something you only get to experience after you die (you are experiencing eternity right now).
What God really wants is followers! At least 20 times in the Gospels, Jesus says, “Follow Me.” Your life will always be better when you make the decision to follow Him. Take a look at Deuteronomy 5:33 (NIV). “Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
You know God wants you to follow Him, but how do you do that? How do you make 2020 the best that it can be? “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8, NIV). You have your answer right here—follow God and bear fruit! Bearing fruit means you’re bearing evidence of doing Kingdom work. This is not going to be easy, but when you make the decision to follow God and to share His love with others, you’re making the right choice. Start 2020 right—follow God and walk in joy!