HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME

         By A. W. Tozer
 

          I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
         shall not walk in darkness, but shall have
         the light of life.          -- John 8:12.
 

             Too many people consider Jesus Christ a convenience.
         We make Him a lifeboat to get us to shore, a guide to find
         us when we are lost.  We reduce Him simply to a Big Friend
         to help us when we are in trouble.

             That is not Biblical Christianity!

             Jesus Christ is Lord, and when a man is willing to do His will, he is repenting and the truth flashes in.  For the first time in
         his life, he finds himself willing to say, "I will do the will of the
         Lord, even if I die for it!"

             Illumination will begin in his heart.  That is repentance, for he has been following his own will - and now decides to do the
         will of God.

             Before the Word of God can mean anything inside of me,
         there must be obedience to the Word.

             Truth will not give itself to a rebel. Truth will not impart life to a  man  who  will  not  obey  the  light.  If  you  are  disobeying
         Jesus Christ - you cannot expect to be enlightened spiritually.

             No man can know the Son except the Father tell him.  No man can know the Father except the Son reveal Him. I can know about God: that is the body of truth.  But I cannot know God, the soul of truth - unless I am ready to be obedient.

         True discipleship is obeying Jesus Christ and learning
         of Him and following Him and doing what He tells you
         to do, keeping His commandments and carrying out His will.

         That kind of a person is a Christian - and no other kind is!
          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Yours in Christ,
         Paul N. F.