There are personal benefits to following Christ. The disciple of Jesus looks forward to Heaven. The disciple also thanks God daily for providing salvation in Jesus. The primary focus of the Level Two follower is a deep and authentic gratitude for what the Lord has done for him or her. The focus is personal, but not necessary in a self-centered way.
When Jesus instructed His disciples on the last night before His crucifixion, He told His disciples, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, ESV). Jesus is not handing out blank checks here. We are not given the right to ask for any selfish, materialist desire to be satisfied. The key to understanding Jesus’ offer was conditional: “If you abide in Me…and [if] My words abide in you…” Christ-honoring prayer aligns us with God’s will as the Holy Sprit guides our hearts and minds. If I am thinking like Christ and walking in His Spirit, I will only desire and want that which God wants.
Sadly, few Christians reach the Level Two Followship. Many never get past the view that God is a cosmic dictator and we are His slaves (see the previous article on Level One Followship). Level Two followers find joy in doing God’s will and personally benefit from serving. “It just feels good to worship the Lord” is the disposition of these disciples of Jesus.
To further define the second level of followship, I will provide the same three examples of activities as we analyzed in Level One:
Temptation to Sin: At Level Two Followship, a disciple chooses not to sin, because this is the better choice. This choice is less driven by fear of God (Level One Followship) and more motivated by personal interests. Both indulging sin and resisting sin have resulting consequences. When a Level Two follower decides not to sin, he or she is considering what is most beneficial.
Devotional Time: At Level Two Followship, a disciple of Jesus finds devotional time enjoyable. This person will quickly recommend a good devotional book or inspiring quote to others. Prayer time is refreshing and cleansing to the disciple’s soul. The Level Two follower looks forward to a “quiet time” of Bible reading and prayer each day for personal enrichment.
Evangelism: A Level Two follower of Jesus rejoices greatly when someone trusts Jesus for salvation. Few experiences can match the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone and see that person yield to the call of Christ. In some circles, the Level Two follower would be given the title of “soul-winner” for Jesus.
Last Note of Clarity:
Following Jesus has the ultimate personal benefit. Without Christ, we have no way of receiving forgiveness for our sins. Jesus provides the only way to be saved from eternal punishment in hell. Level Two followers rejoice in this fact continually. This drives the disciple to read the Gospel, thank God for the Gospel, and share the Good News with others. Yet, as Jesus unfolds a plan for discipleship before His followers in John 15, He moves their thoughts toward a greater plan than personal enhancement. He focuses their thoughts on a missional objective of bearing “fruit.” We will examine this in the next post, examining Level Three Followship.
Shepherding Well 