The word follow means to pursue; act according to (an instruction or precept); pay close attention to (something); to understand and practice. In John chapter 10, Jesus spoke:
1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Our path to THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Whom we knew as FATHER is through Jesus Christ. This may seem basic to us but we must not forget this primary reality as we walk out our daily lives. We must not reduce the Words of Jesus to another view but treat them as being directly from FATHER to us for our instruction. These instructions, guidance, and warnings Jesus spoke are critical to our daily lives as well as our ultimate future walk.
What priority do you place on the Words of Jesus and The Holy Spirit? Do you receive them with the innocence of a child and respond accordingly or do you attempt to analyze them to the nth degree as though their face value isn’t enough? Did Jesus require us to receive a doctorate in order to become mature Sons and Daughters? Absolutely not! Why spend so much time on secondary topics rather than simply pursue being led by THE SPIRIT as Jesus was?
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus spoke:
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Jesus just warned us of a potential hazard. It is easy to miss the narrow path that only He can lead us to and keep us on versus the broad path toward destruction. Consider those words for a moment. If it was simple to find and stay on the path do you think FATHER would have had HIS Son speak these words of warning? We must highly esteem the Words of Jesus and heed them. We must not let them become forgotten as we pursue other areas of study as though they were only applicable for a time. The Words of FATHER through HIS Son must not be diluted with men’s opinions and commentary for the Words from the Throne Room are sufficient to stand on their own. If men’s writings do not keep those Truths at the forefront of their teaching, you should ask yourself if the pursuit of such study is worthy of bringing forth good fruit in your life.
Do we emphasize men’s words over the Commands of Jesus? The prophets of the Old Testament pointed us toward the coming of The Son of THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. The numbers, the meanings of names, etc. in Scripture had the ultimate purpose of restoring us to FATHER through HIS Son. The simplicity of that Truth must not be diluted, sacrificed, or forgotten. Our lives should reflect that Truth and our conversation should align with that reality. If it doesn’t, repent and realign your priorities with FATHER’S.
FATHER has provided us with the Perfect Example to follow. Jesus provided us with concise instructions to live by. As we keep those instructions at the forefront of our consciousness and build upon those Truths through interaction with others who are being led by THE HOLY SPIRIT (Who testifies of Jesus Christ), then we will be well-rounded in all areas of our lives. FATHER reveals deeper Truths to those who embrace the fullness of Christ. Those Truths should be sought out but not at the expense of the foundational Truths established through the Words of Jesus. If the house is built on a solid foundation, it will withstand the tests and trials of life so let us keep our foundation strong.