The greatest tragedy to befall Christianity is the selfish concern for our own souls rather than the lives of others. To think that the gift of the Gospel was offered so that we could sit around and sing about how lucky we all are while the rest of the world cries out for freedom and food, is nothing less than blasphemy.

A careful study of Scripture reveals that Jesus continually invites us to do one thing.

It is not to accept this doctrine or believe that theology.

It is to "Follow me."

Over and over again come those haunting words.

It seems many of us would rather sit back and talk about the ramifications of following, or sing about the ramifications, or pray about the ramifications or preach about the ramifications.

Anything but actually follow.

There is a wonderful little story in the first chapter of John. Phillip, who is convinced he has found the Messiah, says to Nathanael, "Come and see."

But Nathanael wants to sit back and ponder this for a while. He wants to engage in an intellectual critique of the situation.

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" he solemnly queries.

Phillip knows there is only one way of understanding. It is not through books or doctrines. It is not through theologies or treatises. It is only through following. It is only through getting up off our duffs and putting one foot in front of the other. It is only through discipleship.

The dictionary defines disciple as a follower. To be a follower of Christ is to take seriously what he took seriously, to live as he lived, to love as he loved. St. Paul calls us to be imitators of Christ. This is what it means to be a Christian. It has little to do with what religion you confess or to what denomination you belong. It has everything to do with simply following Jesus.