What do you think about _________? Fill in the blank on any given topic, trending search or the polarized platforms on social media. Responses will be as varied, vague or vicious depending on the question.

What do I think about the weather today? Lovely sunshine and a teasing 50^o. Last week I would have answered very differently, since the roads were snow and ice covered and the temperature was below zero. I wasn’t feeling as favorable in my opinion as I am today.

What do I think about my closest relationships? I am quite blessed overall, and I have learned to process things in the relationships that need improvement.

Jumping into the Gospel of Mark, chapter 8, we skimmed through verses 1-26 and dove deep into verse 27. And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” And they told him, “ John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets. And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. vs 27-30

So, Jesus first asks the disciples what others think about who he is. They tell him what they have heard, and he then asks a more important question. A question each one of us will answer eventually. “Who do you say Jesus is?”. What do you think about Jesus?

Was he a good man who made an impact that lasted centuries beyond his earthly life? Was he just a man or was he God? Did he really die on a cross reserved for criminals, was buried for three days and was resurrected and is alive today? Do you believe in Jesus or do you follow Jesus? Believing in Jesus is not the same as following.

How you answer is of immense importance. James 2:19 says this;  You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Recognizing that the demons believe sheds new light on believing vs following. The demons believe, yet they do not follow Jesus. If I only say I believe, and my day to day life looks no different than others who do not believe or follow, ouch. It is lip service only and has no substance.

What I believe, really believe, deep down in my heart and soul, should be evident in how I do life. What I think about Jesus will spill over and on everything else. My thoughts. The words I speak. Where I invest my time and how I spend the resources I’ve been given. Am I able to look at and love others because they are Imago Dei, image bearers of God? Can I put my own needs aside to help someone who’s need is greater? Do I desire the things of God because I believe Jesus is the Christ, the messiah, the son of God?

What do you think? Are you living a life out of following the One you believe or are you giving lip service and going your own way? How you answer this question is ultimately between you and Jesus. How you live matters most to Him. It matters to the people you love when you know, believe and follow Jesus, because He is the Christ.

I know. I believe. I follow. You too? Tell me what you think! Leave a comment below or email me at 2coronefour@gmail.com