We know that we become disciples when we repent and believe the gospel and are baptized. We then begin the process of learning all that God has commanded (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:8). Jesus carefully explained to His followers what their lives would look like if they truly repented and believed the gospel.

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.”
Luke 9:23–24

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”
Matthew 10:38–39

And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Mark 8:34–35

“He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
John 12:25–26

Death would be an apt description of the disciple’s life. That is, death to self. It is impossible to continue to go your own way and follow Jesus. You will do one or the other. The true disciple sets a course that rejects his own way and determines to follow his Lord.

A careful review of your personal schedule will reveal whether you are trying to fit Christ into your life, or your walk with Christ defines your life. Do you struggle trying to find time for God’s word? Do you seldom think about or take opportunity to share the gospel? Are you faithfully serving in the church? Do you demonstrate biblical love to your fellow believers? Do you consistently meditate on God’s word? Do you anticipate Divine appointments every day of your life?

The apostle Paul describes the Christian life in this way:

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20

Take time to consider those famous words, “Follow Me.” As you walk through your day, make certain that all you do, say, and think are consistent with following the Lord.