There’s an old hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” In one verse, the lyrics say, “Though none go with me, still I will follow. Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back, no turning back.” I don’t listen to hymns very often, but the Lord brought these lyrics to my mind recently. Have you decided to follow Jesus- no turning back?

We have to be totally sold out to Jesus. So sold out that even if we are the only person doing so, we will continue to follow Him. Sometimes, Christianity can be a lonely road- especially if you mean business. There are a lot of people who claim to believe in God, but not many who have a strong commitment and live their lives with Him at the center of it. God has a remnant, and it is not always popular to be a part of it.

The early Christians understood the meaning of commitment. Because the Jews saw them as a threat, and many of the Roman Emperors saw Jesus as a rival to their own self-proclaimed deity, early Christians were severely persecuted for their faith. Many were martyred- and quite savagely. All of the twelves original apostles, except John, were killed for their belief in Jesus and their unwillingness to renounce Him.

“And as for those who conquer through faithfulness even unto death and continue to labor with Me until the close of the final curtain, I will give them authority over the nations. Revelation 2:26 (The Voice, VOICE)

Jesus spoke these words to the church of Smyrna. This church was experiencing severe hardship for their faith. They could not get work and they were going through extreme poverty. Many of them were being seized and killed for their refusal to worship false gods. Jesus promised them great authority if they would endure to the end. History tells us of Polycarp, the pastor of the church at Smyrna. In his 80’s, he was arrested and burned at the stake for his faith in Christ. Considering the example of our early brothers and sisters, I have often pondered how much I would be willing to endure for Christ.

Do I think I will be martyred for my faith in God? No, I believe that right now, God is turning things around to usher in the great endtime harvest of souls. This is not the tribulation. However, I think it is a healthy thing for each Christian to examine themselves to determine their commitment level. If we sense our devotion to Christ is not what it should be, we need to draw close to the Lord and renew our commitment. In our hearts, we must be prepared to give our lives for Him, even if it is never required of us.

Though none go with me, still I will follow. Even if the entire world chooses to go the wrong way, I will continue with my Lord and Savior. Will you?