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Followers. We hear that word everywhere today. Social media has turned it into a kind of status symbol. The more followers you have, the more important you look. And it’s not just about people following us. There’s also pressure to keep up with the right celebrities, the funniest accounts, the most popular voices on TikTok, Instagram, or “X.” So yes, we know what it means to “follow” someone. But when Jesus says, “Follow me,” He isn’t inviting us into a game of likes and clicks. He’s calling us into something much deeper.
Luke 9:23 spells it out: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” That doesn’t sound like social media at all. There’s no “like” button, no swipe, no quick fix. Jesus isn’t looking for passive fans. He’s calling us to daily obedience, to lay down our comforts, and to walk with Him no matter the cost. And if we’re honest, that’s where things get difficult.
Social media has trained us to engage in shallow ways. Scroll, double-tap, move on. It’s easy. But sometimes we take that same mindset and apply it to our faith. We like what Jesus says. We enjoy the inspirational posts or the worship songs that give us a quick boost. But when it comes to letting His words shape our habits, our priorities, and our choices? That’s where we hesitate. The danger is that passive faith doesn’t grow us. It might look polished on the outside, but it leaves us spiritually weak on the inside.
When our faith is shallow, comfort and convenience win out over obedience. We settle for a Christianity that asks little and changes little. And if we’re not careful, our lives start to reflect that watered-down version. Our words lose their weight. Our witness feels hollow. The Gospel looks less like life-changing truth and more like a casual interest. And yet, in spite of all that, we still expect Jesus to bless us.
But Jesus didn’t call us to be fans. He called us to be disciples. A disciple doesn’t just admire Jesus from a distance. A disciple walks with Him. Discipleship means investing in a real relationship with Him. It means prayer, not just when we’re desperate, but as a rhythm of life. It means opening our Bibles, not as a quick hit of encouragement, but as food for our souls. It means letting His words sink in and change us, even when they confront our pride or comfort. And discipleship doesn’t stay private. It shows up in the way we speak to our families, the way we handle conflict at work, the way we respond when we’re wronged, and the way we love people who are hard to love. Following Jesus touches every part of life.
None of this is glamorous. Discipleship doesn’t make you “popular.” It won’t get you likes or followers. But it will change you. It will form you into someone who looks more and more like Christ. Now, don’t misunderstand. Social media isn’t evil. It can make us laugh, teach us something new, even inspire us. But it’s a poor model for faith. Because following Jesus isn’t about staying up-to-date with spiritual content. It’s about surrender.
Real discipleship changes everything. It isn’t a passing phase. It’s a lifelong, life-altering journey. And it is not easy. If following Jesus feels easy all the time, then chances are we’re not truly following Him. But here’s the good news. Jesus doesn’t send us out on this journey alone. He walks with us. His Spirit gives us strength when we’re weak, hope when we’re weary, and courage when we’d rather give up. The more we step forward in faith, the more we discover that He is worth every single step.
So maybe it’s time to pause and ask ourselves honestly: Are we just following Jesus in name, or are we actually following Him with our lives? Let’s stop settling for a faith that fits neatly into our schedule. Let’s stop treating Jesus like just another voice in our feed. Real discipleship will cost us something. It requires sacrifice, courage, and commitment. It is not easy. But it leads to a depth of life and joy that nothing else can offer. Jesus doesn’t want your casual interest. He wants your whole heart. He wants your Mondays as much as your Sundays. He wants your doubts, your decisions, your dreams, and your everyday moments. He is calling you to more.
So, here’s the question:
What kind of follower do you want to be?