The Difference Between Following Jesus and Simply Being Religious
I hope you love the products and resources I recommend here at Foundational. It is possible that I get a commission and collect income from the links on this page. Click here for more info.
Many people assume that going to church, knowing the Bible, and trying to live a moral life automatically make them followers of Jesus Christ.
But is that what Jesus taught?
One of the most sobering encounters in the Gospels suggests otherwise.
In Mark 10, a wealthy young man ran to Jesus and asked one of life’s most important questions:
“Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)
At first glance, this man seemed like the ideal believer. He respected Jesus, knew the commandments, and claimed to have kept them since his youth.
Yet Jesus responded with unexpected words:
“One thing you lack.”
Those four words reveal an important truth: it is possible to be deeply religious without truly becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Before we dive in, if you’d rather listen or watch this teaching, you can do so below.
Religion Can Change Behavior Without Changing the Heart
The rich young ruler had built his life around religious obedience.
He knew God’s commands.
He sought to live a moral life.
He sincerely desired eternal life.
Yet something was still missing.
Religion can teach us what to do, but it cannot transform the human heart.
It can encourage outward obedience while leaving inward surrender untouched.
That is why Jesus told Nicodemus:
“You must be born again.” (John 3:7)
Christianity is not simply about adopting better habits. It begins with a transformed heart through faith in Jesus Christ.
The First Step Is Surrender
Every authentic disciple begins at the same place.
We acknowledge that we are sinners who cannot save ourselves.
We repent—turning away from our old way of life—and place our faith completely in Jesus Christ.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for our sins.
It is a change of heart that produces a change of direction.
Instead of living for ourselves, we begin living for Christ.
This is the beginning of discipleship.
Jesus Calls Us to Deny Ourselves
After salvation comes another invitation that Jesus repeatedly gave His followers:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
These words challenge every generation of believers.
Following Jesus is not simply adding Him to an already busy life.
It means placing Him above every other priority.
For the rich young ruler, wealth had become an obstacle.
For others, it may be success, comfort, hobbies, relationships, or personal ambitions.
The issue is not necessarily the things themselves.
The question is whether anything has taken first place in our hearts.
What Does It Mean to Take Up Your Cross?
When Jesus spoke of taking up the cross, His listeners understood exactly what He meant.
The cross represented surrender.
It represented dying to self.
As disciples, we are called to daily surrender our own desires, ambitions, and plans to Christ.
This doesn’t mean we stop enjoying God’s blessings or abandon every earthly interest.
It means Jesus remains our highest affection.
Every other pursuit must remain under His Lordship.
Following Jesus Is More Than Believing Facts About Him
Many people know about Jesus.
They know Bible stories.
They attend church faithfully.
They can explain basic Christian doctrine.
But biblical discipleship goes beyond knowledge.
The Apostle Paul expressed his deepest desire this way:
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10)
Paul wasn’t seeking more information.
He longed for a deep, personal relationship with Christ.
That is the heart of authentic discipleship.
A Disciple Lives Under the Lordship of Christ
When Jesus truly becomes Lord of our lives, His Word begins shaping every area of our lives.
He influences:
- Our attitudes
- Our priorities
- Our relationships
- Our speech
- Our decisions
- Our values
Instead of asking, “What do I want?”
The disciple begins asking,
“What would honor Christ?”
That daily surrender is what distinguishes genuine discipleship from empty religion.
A Question Worth Asking
The rich young ruler walked away saddened because he was unwilling to surrender what mattered most to him.
His story invites every believer to ask an honest question:
Am I simply practicing Christianity, or am I truly following Jesus?
Religious activity alone cannot save us.
Church attendance cannot replace surrender.
Knowledge cannot substitute for obedience.
Jesus still extends the same invitation today:
“Take up your cross and follow Me.”
May we respond not with mere religious devotion, but with wholehearted surrender to the One who gave His life for us.
You can also enjoy this teaching on The Foundational U Podcast while you’re driving, walking, or working around the house.
