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Following Jesus is not the same as taking a leisurely walk where you change and grow at your own pace, you still have an opinion that determines your actions, you just cruise along holding on to pieces of self. Following Jesus is a decision to turn your back on EVERYTHING else. He comes first. It's true lordship. Sadly, we have not modeled this is in the church. We've basically showed people how to "follow" Jesus but not do it too closely. We've modeled a way of serving God that isn't 100%. God, forgive us. How many have we potentially led astray because what they've seen in our lives is not ultimate devotion, it's this label we wear but it doesn't neccesarily change anything else about our lives. Following Jesus should change everything. When we really are following Him, it doesn't mean He's within our view- we don't truly follow from far away. If we're taking breaks and stopping, what we forget is that Jesus is still walking- so there He goes, farther and farther out of reach. Jesus, I wanna stay close- right on your heals! I want following to be in every part of my life. I want those they are looking for you to just be able to follow me because I'm right behind you. Forgove me when I've fallen short and allowed distance to come in between us. And especially when I've done that and called it "following" because I can still "see" You off in the distance. I want every part of my walk for the rest of my life to just be right on your heals! And help me articulate this to the kids...that they would realize following You isn't for later, it's not a thing to do as an adult- it's what we do NOW- regardless of all the great reasons we may have for putting it off until later.