How can I become better at following Jesus? - Following - TouchPoints

John 10:2-5But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."

The best way to become a better follower is to better know the one you follow. A sheep that knows its shepherd’s voice will not be deceived by a thief’s voice leading it astray. A sheep that trusts its shepherd’s voice will be quick to follow in times of danger. We, too, should learn to recognize Christ’s voice.

2 Timothy 3:16-17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. [17] God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Acts 17:11And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

We can learn to discern our Shepherd’s voice through contemplating his Word.

John 14:16-17And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. [17] He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

Romans 8:26-27And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.

Jesus did not leave us to try to follow him on our own strength. He left us the Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives and speak for us in our prayers. Trying harder is no substitute for listening to the Holy Spirit’s nudging.