The expression “follow me” occurs 24 times in the King James version of the Bible. Seventeen of these references are found in the gospels, and each time it is Christ who urges people to follow Him.

In the New Testament, the Greek word akoloutheo — “to follow” — is used almost exclusively of following Christ. The word means “to be in the same way with.” It also conveys “likeness” and “union.”

Being with someone is more than a physical reality; it is a reality of the heart, the mind, and the spirit.

In order for one to follow Christ or “to be in the same way with” Him, how must that person respond to the divine call?

This question demands an answer because millions of Christians claim to be following Christ.

Is there a standard or test by which the integrity of those claims may be assessed?

The one who claims to be following Christ would do well to remember that Christ protests against the hypocritical claims of many who draw nigh to Him with their lips but whose hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8).

The Bible provides many examples of people who responded to the call of God “to be in the same way with” Him. Eye-opening lessons about what it means to truly follow Christ may be learned by closely studying these responses.

On one occasion Simon Peter, speaking for the twelve, reminded the Savior of how fully they had followed him.

“Then Peter said, ‘See, we have left all and followed You.” (Luke18: 28)

The key expression is “left all.” Until a man or woman is willing to leave all, he or she cannot truly follow Christ.

A relationship with Christ is as much a marriage as is the union between man and wife.

According to scripture, in order to cleave one must leave (Genesis 2:24). So it is with the one who seeks a union with Christ. That person must be willing to leave all and follow the master.

Too many people bring luggage with them as they seek to follow Christ. Some want to follow Christ while keeping one hurtful habit. Others hope to follow Christ while still embroiled in every brand of immorality.

Then there are those who, like Lot’s wife, try to follow Christ while maintaining citizenship in Sodom and resident status in Gomorrah. How few are they who can truly say with Simon Peter, “Lo, we have left all, and followed you” (Luke 18:28).

Christ Himself predicted that the road to eternal life would be occupied by very few travelers compared to the rush-hour traffic jam on the paved, broad, highway to perdition. (See Matthew 7:13, 14)

From this sobering statement emerges the conclusion that most so-called Christians wear Christ on the surface, but their hearts remain untouched.

You’ve heard some saying, “All you need is Christ!” True, but you can only have Christ if you’re willing to give up all for Christ. For Christ it is all or none!

Pastor Alvaro Sauza can be reached at the Sandpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2235 Pine St., or by phone at 208-263-3648.