So this morning, I started reading a new book. The title, Follow Me by David Platt. I read the introduction… and wow, I haven’t even gotten into the “book” yet and I’m already jaw dropped. But there are three things that I can’t get out of my mind.

1) Conviction isn’t always a good thing.

You might read that statement and think, “that’s not true.” But isn’t it? Because I thought exactly what you thought, “conviction is good because it leads to change!” But question… what if it doesn’t lead to change? What if conviction is just left at sobbing in church, feeling guilty for something we’ve done or said, or a number of other “wrong” actions?

The definition of conviction is this: a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law. You’re guilty! We already established that. So if that guilt or conviction doesn’t produce change or repentance… then I think that conviction just makes us “feel good” about ourselves.

2) John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Do we, as Followers of Christ, do we live like this? Do we live as though we have “life” and have it to the “full?” Most of the time for me, I’d have to say that that verse doesn’t describe me. I’m too busy looking at the situations around me, the road blocks, all the other distractions, and take my eyes off Jesus and what He has done for me!

We can all agree, that Jesus is life (John 14:6), so if Jesus came so that we might have Jesus… and have Him to the full, what might that look like? There are numerous verses commanding us to go and walk like Christ and in His image. Does that describe us?

3) 2 Timothy 2:4

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

I know this one can describe me to a T. We as “Christians” and Followers of God alike, get so wrapped up and consumed with worldly affairs that I believe we leave Christ on the sidelines… or even at home. Don’t miss this, I’m not saying we don’t fight for Christ, because we absolutely should, but how do we do that? Is it Christlike, is it with love…

As Followers of Christ we, myself included, need to start focusing more on Him and less on the world and our problems. If we focus on Him, EVERYTHING else will fall into place. He is the Master Conductor!