“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” – Joshua 24:15
Bible Verses About Choosing To Follow God
The Call to Follow God
When we think of the call to follow God, we recognize it is an invitation to a profound relationship with our Creator. This is not merely about adherence to rules or traditions but about committing ourselves to a path of love, faith, and transformation. God desires for us to choose Him actively. Choosing to follow God is about our surrender to His will and our acknowledgment of His supremacy in our lives. Each day we are given an opportunity to make that choice, to embrace His plans rather than our own. We are reminded that the call is one of love and grace, beckoning us to escape from the burdens of the world into His eternal hope. Together, we embark on this journey knowing that His ways are infinitely greater than ours.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:19
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
1 Peter 2:21
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
The Blessings of Following God
Choosing to follow God opens the door to a myriad of blessings that often overlook. When we invest our time and energy in God, we are also investing in our contentment and joy. His promises in the Scriptures highlight the blessings tied to living a life in obedience to Him. These blessings might not always align with our worldly definitions but often transcend material gain. Instead, the abundance comes from a heart filled with peace, hope, and love. We experience His favor in ways that manifest not just in our lives but in how we interact with others. Understanding that we are blessed for choosing to walk with Him nurtures our spirit and reinforces the importance of our faithful commitment.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” – Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” – Psalm 1:1-3
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
The Cost of Following God
While following God offers numerous blessings, we should acknowledge that it often comes with a cost. Jesus taught that following Him requires us to give up certain comforts and sometimes face challenges or sacrifices. This can include hardship in relationships, personal desires, or societal expectations. But instead of viewing these costs as burdens, we can see them as necessary growth opportunities in our faith journey. Embracing the cost offers us a chance to deepen our understanding of commitment and develop resilience through Christ’s strength. Each challenge reinforces our faith, reshaping our perspectives as we recognize the beauty of surrendering to God’s will.
Luke 14:27
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24
John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” – John 15:18-19
Mark 8:35
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” – Mark 8:35
2 Timothy 3:12
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
The Guidance of Following God
Following God also comes with divine guidance. As we make the choice to submit our lives to Him, He promises to lead us in our paths. It is His word and the Holy Spirit that guide our decisions and provide clarity in times of uncertainty. We should embrace the process of seeking God’s wisdom, realizing it is not merely about following rules but understanding His character and desires for our lives. Every step taken in alignment with His guidance deepens our trust in Him. Together, we can experience the joy and assurance that come from knowing we are walking the sacred path that He has laid before us.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Romans 8:14
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14
The Fruit of Following God
When we commit to following God, we begin to bear fruit in our lives that reflect His character. This fruit becomes evident in our actions, attitudes, and relationships. It reminds us that choosing to follow God is not merely an intellectual activity but something that transforms us from the inside out. The love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control we cultivate are testaments to our lifestyle as followers of Christ. As we allow Him to work within us, we become living examples of His grace and truth, impacting those around us in countless ways.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Matthew 7:17
“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” – Matthew 7:17
Colossians 1:10
“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10
John 15:8
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8
Philippians 1:11
“Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:11
The Impact of Following God
As Christians, our choice to follow God has a ripple effect far beyond our own lives. Our faith impacts our families, communities, and even those we encounter in our daily lives. Choosing God leads us to share His love and wisdom, planting seeds of faith in others. We are called to be light in a world that often seems shrouded in darkness. Our actions can encourage others to seek after God, and our stories of His goodness can inspire faith in those who might feel lost. Together, we can be a powerful force of change through the simple act of choosing to follow God.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” – Romans 1:16
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Philippians 2:15
“So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.'” – Philippians 2:15
Final Thoughts
Choosing to follow God is one of the most impactful decisions we can make in our lives. We learned that this path may come with challenges but is filled with abundant blessings. The choice opens doors to divine guidance and enables us to bear fruit reflective of God’s character. As we navigate this journey, we can have a meaningful impact on others around us, leading them closer to faith in Christ. Let us embrace this call with open hearts, trusting that God’s plans for us are always good.
The adventure of faith is truly an enriching experience that pulls us closer to God and one another. If we wish to explore more about our choices and walk with God, there are countless resources to delve deeper, such as Deuteronomy 10 or Luke 12:22-31.
Together, let us joyfully choose to follow God today and every day, living lives that reflect His love and grace.