Exploring Two Paths of Christian Faith

Introduction

For centuries, Christians across the world have wrestled with what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. The terms “following Jesus” and “living as Jesus” both appear frequently in sermons, spiritual literature, and conversations among believers. While the phrases may seem similar at first glance, they encompass profound differences in approach, commitment, and transformation. This exploration seeks to unravel the nuances between following Jesus and living as Jesus, offering insight for those on the spiritual journey who wish to deepen their faith and practice.

Understanding “Following Jesus”

The Traditional Call to Discipleship

To “follow Jesus” is a cornerstone of Christian faith. In the Gospels, Jesus calls out to his would-be disciples, “Come, follow me.” This invitation is both literal and figurative: it means to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, heed his teachings, and submit to his authority as the Christ. Following Jesus is, at its heart, an act of trust and obedience.

• Direction and Guidance: Following implies that Jesus is leading the way, and we are walking behind, looking to him for direction, wisdom, and guidance.
• Learning and Growth: Disciples are students, learning from their master. To follow Jesus means to study his teachings, absorb his parables, and attune oneself to his example.
• Imitation and Practice: Followers strive to put into practice the core values Jesus embodied: love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice.

Imperfect But Sincere

Following Jesus does not presume perfection. The Gospels are replete with stories of disciples who faltered, misunderstood, and even betrayed their teacher. What matters is the intent to pursue Jesus, to repent when one stumbles, and to return to the path with renewed commitment.

• External Journey: Much of following Jesus concerns the external aspects of faith—attending church, reading scripture, serving others, and participating in community.
• Seeking Transformation: Followers hope for inward transformation, but the primary mode is emulation rather than embodiment.

Understanding “Living as Jesus”

From Followers to Reflectors

Living as Jesus represents a deeper integration of his spirit and character into one’s own life. Rather than following from a distance, the believer seeks to so internalize Jesus’ teachings and way of being that they become a living reflection of Christ in the world.

• Union With Christ: The Apostle Paul writes, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Living as Jesus means surrendering one’s ego and desires so completely that one acts, loves, and chooses as Jesus would, not merely because he said to, but because his spirit animates every thought and deed.
• Embodiment and Presence: Rather than asking “What would Jesus do?” in every situation, one seeks to act as Jesus would spontaneously, because his heart and mind have been shaped to mirror Christ’s own.
• Transformation From Within: This is not merely imitation but metamorphosis—a radical renewal of the self so that Jesus’ way is not just followed but lived out effortlessly.

Spiritual Maturity

Living as Jesus is seen as the goal of spiritual maturity. It involves moving from being a student to becoming an embodiment of the teachings. This transformation is gradual, often requiring years of prayer, contemplation, and surrender.

• Internal Journey: While external actions remain important, the primary focus is inward: nurturing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• Oneness with God: The person who lives as Jesus seeks union with the divine, striving to become a vessel through which God’s love and power flow into the world.

Key Differences

Motivation and Identity

Following Jesus often begins with an external call, a pull toward something greater than oneself. The follower looks to Jesus for answers, for salvation, for a new way of life. Living as Jesus, however, emerges when the boundary between seeker and Savior dissolves; the believer’s identity is so transformed that their motivations and desires are indistinguishable from those of Christ.

Imitation Versus Incarnation

• Imitation: Following Jesus is akin to a child learning to ride a bicycle by watching and copying a parent.
• Incarnation: Living as Jesus is like the child becoming so proficient that riding is second nature, an expression of their being.

Relationship to Rules and Freedom

Following Jesus can sometimes become rule-bound, with an emphasis on obedience and adherence to religious practice. Living as Jesus is marked by freedom—not the freedom to do anything, but the freedom that comes from knowing one’s heart is aligned with God’s will.

Focus: Actions or Being

Following Jesus is often measured by actions—what one does or avoids doing. Living as Jesus is rooted in being—what one is becoming, how one’s character and presence radiate grace and love.

Why the Difference Matters

For Personal Spiritual Growth

Understanding the distinction encourages believers to move beyond mere external practices, important as they may be, and seek deeper transformation. Churches can be filled with those who follow, but the world is changed by those who live as Jesus.

For Community and Mission

When communities are composed of individuals living as Jesus, they become places of healing, justice, and radical hospitality. Such communities witness to a different kind of life—one in which love is not an ideal but a living reality.

For Navigating Failure

The journey from following to living is not linear or without setbacks. Recognizing this difference can help individuals show themselves grace, understanding that growth is a process. Even in failure, the invitation is always to deeper union with Christ.

Living the Difference

Spiritual Practices

How does one move from following Jesus to living as Jesus? The pathway is unique for each person but often involves the following spiritual practices:

• Contemplative Prayer: Spending time in silence, inviting the Spirit to reshape one’s heart.
• Scripture Meditation: Not just reading for knowledge but allowing the words of Jesus to saturate and transform the soul.
• Acts of Service: Serving not out of obligation, but as a natural outflow of a transformed heart.
• Community: Living in authentic relationships where mutual encouragement and accountability foster growth.

The Role of Grace

Ultimately, the shift from following to living is not achieved by human effort alone but by grace. It is a gift, cultivated by openness and surrender.

Conclusion

The journey of faith is dynamic; it is natural to begin as a follower, learning, stumbling, and growing. But the call of Christ does not end with imitation. We are invited to become living embodiments of his way—to live as Jesus, saturated with his love, wisdom, and courage. This is not an unattainable ideal but a lifelong process, one marked by humility, gratitude, and the gentle work of transformation.

May all who begin by following find themselves, in time, living as Jesus—so that the light of Christ shines anew in every generation.

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NORMAN R  VAN ETTEN