To follow Jesus is to walk a narrow path that leads to creating interest in the gospel truth. It is crucial for the one who walks the path to know that for the walk to be effective; one needs to be consecrated to God with all of one’s life. This calls for being unselfish in the walk to save souls.

Know that once engaged in this walk, that minds and hearts of others who hear the gospel will become interested, which is why one must be focused and persistent. Otherwise, it could be devastating if the walker should quit before the hearer has decided for the truth. Therefore, the walker should know and be prepared to leave behind and not return to anything that would distract from following Jesus’ lead.

This is especially the case for those who proclaim to have been called into the clergy. If ministers see and feel that the things of this world are keeping them from the solemn, sacred work of saving souls, then the proper thing to do is to give up those things. If diverted from the work because home matters, business, property interests, and social causes mostly occupy the mind and heart, then it is time to leave all that behind.

Of course, not all are called to be ministers. But even in unemployment and secular occupations, God expects for His work to be an exclusive priority. Though one may not be called to give up everything; all personal relations, material possessions, abilities, and enterprises should only be maintained if they are selflessly utilized in furthering the gospel.

There is nothing greater than keeping our eyes on the Leader who considers the saving of just one soul as worth more than all other concerns in this world. As He moves ahead, so should we. If we fondly and wantonly look back on what needs to be left behind, then our eyes are taken off the goal and we will surely stumble off the path.

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He (Jesus) said to another person, “Come, follow Me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9: 59-62 (NLT)