How can we "left everything and followed Him" in our daily lives today? The Scene on the Shore “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.” (Luke 5:11) A single sentence, yet an entire life-shift. Nets dropped, careers paused, futures entrusted to Jesus’ voice. What “Left Everything” Meant Then • Livelihood: fishing gear, business contacts, steady income • Security: familiar routines, family expectations • Identity: “fishermen” became “followers” • Agenda: their plans gave way to His mission Why the Call Still Stands Jesus hasn’t changed, nor has His claim on us. He still says, “Follow Me,” and His lordship still requires first place. Mindset Shifts for Modern Disciples • Ownership → Stewardship: nothing is truly “mine” (cf. “But seek first the kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33) • Comfort → Cross-bearing: “If anyone would come after Me…take up his cross.” Matthew 16:24 • Achievement → Knowing Christ: “I consider everything a loss…knowing Christ.” Philippians 3:8 • Sunday Faith → Whole-life Obedience: not a compartment but the control center Practical Ways to Leave Our Boats Time • Begin each day surrendering schedule to Jesus’ priorities • Guard Sabbath rhythms so work serves, not masters, you Relationships • Reconcile quickly; carry no grudges • Invite unbelieving friends into your everyday life so they can meet Christ Money & Possessions • Budget generosity first, lifestyle second • Hold belongings loosely—ready to share, sell, or give Calling & Career • Ask “How can my work advance the gospel?” more than “How can it advance me?” • Stay open to geographic or vocational change if He directs Comfort Zones • Serve where gifts feel small and need feels big • Speak of Jesus even when awkward; obedience over image Sin & Habits • Identify nets of compromise; cut them away, don’t mend them • Replace with spiritual disciplines—Scripture intake, fellowship, service Common Obstacles and Gospel Power Fear of uncertainty → Remember the One who commands wind and waves Material pull → Compare the lasting treasure of heaven to temporary stuff People-pleasing → Seek the smile of Christ, not the crowd Self-reliance → Lean on the Spirit’s strength, not personal resolve Encouraging Promises to Remember • Provision: “But seek first the kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33 • Purpose: “If anyone would come after Me…take up his cross.” Matthew 16:24 • Gain: “I consider everything a loss…knowing Christ.” Philippians 3:8 • Reward: God sees every hidden sacrifice and will make it eternally worthwhile Leaving everything today rarely looks like abandoning literal boats; it looks like daily, deliberate choices that declare, “Jesus, You have my all.” |
    |