Being a follower of Jesus Christ is no picnic.  A true follower is often mocked by those who are “religious.”  It was no different for Jesus.  When He walked the earth, it was the religious people who tried to stop His ministry.  They often complained about His miracles, His teachings, and His compassion to the outcast.  According to the religious people of His day, Jesus could do nothing right.

That is often true when it comes to religion and following Jesus.  Religion is man made.  It is formed by man with man’s laws, rules, and regulations.  The design of religion is to make the member feel better.  No surrender is required, just attend all the functions, deposit the correct amount of tithe, and participate in as many functions as your schedule can allow, and you are religious.

Following Jesus requires surrendering to His will.  Jesus did not come to install more rules and regulations.  Instead, He came to abolish the law, allowing mankind to come directly to God.  God gives His love directly to those who follow His Son.  There is no manmade barrier, just a direct, loving, and compassionate relationship with the very one who created you.

Problems will always arise when following Jesus.   Jesus stated that there would be problems, but His solution was to rejoice and look forward to the rewards you will receive in heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5: 11 & 12