How Does Following Jesus in Everyday Life Actually Work?

(Editorial note: This post was adapted from the sermon manuscript and transcript written and preached by Pastor Chris on Sunday, May 10, 2026 with the assistance of AI.)

Following Jesus can sound simple until we ask what it actually means in everyday life. Many people think of faith as something we believe, a place we go, or a promise we receive after death. But in John 14, Jesus shows us that following him is much more than that.

Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

That sentence gives us a clear picture of what it means to follow Jesus. Love for Jesus is not just something we say. It is something we live. It takes shape in our choices, our worship, our relationships, our witness, and our perseverance.

Loving Jesus Means Keeping His Commands

In John 14 verses 15–21, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure. He has told them that he is going away, but he is not leaving them without purpose. They will remain in the world to continue his work.

So what is the work of Jesus?

It begins with love.

Jesus connects love with obedience. This is not a cold or transactional kind of obedience. Jesus is not saying we earn his love by doing the right things. Instead, he is showing us what love does. If we love Jesus, we begin to live his way.

And his way can be summarized in the greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor.

That is where following Jesus begins. We love God with our whole lives, and we love the people around us with humility, forgiveness, grace, patience, and self-sacrifice.

Following Jesus In Everyday Life Starts in Worship

If we want to live the love of Jesus, we need to be shaped by Jesus. That begins in worship.

The world is always forming us. Our schedules, phones, habits, worries, and desires are constantly teaching us what to love. Worship brings us back into the presence of God so that our lives can be shaped and paced by the way of Jesus.

In worship, we hear Scripture, pray together, receive the sacraments, and remember who God is and who we are. Then we are sent back into the world to live differently.

We Do Not Follow Jesus Alone

Jesus knows that living his love is not easy. That is why he promises the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the helper Jesus gives to his people. We are not left alone to follow Jesus by our own strength. The Spirit strengthens us, softens our hearts, reminds us of Jesus’ teaching, and helps us become people of love.

Following Jesus is not a self-improvement project. It is life with God.

Living the Love of Jesus in the World

The love of Jesus is not meant to stay hidden inside the church. In 1 Peter, Christians are told to always be ready to give a reason for the hope they have, with gentleness and respect.

That means following Jesus includes witness. We share the story of Jesus because the world needs hope. We do not do this with arrogance or pressure, but as people who have been loved by Jesus and want others to know that love too.

So, How Do We Follow Jesus?

We follow Jesus by living his love.

We worship. We obey. We love God. We love our neighbors. We rely on the Holy Spirit. We share the hope of the gospel. We repent. We keep going until the end.

Following Jesus is not only about receiving eternal life later. It is about learning to live eternal life now.

And as we live the love of Jesus, we do the work of Jesus. [Watch the full sermon here.]