For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
~ Nelson Mandela

In it's simplest form, when Jesus said, "Follow me," it wasn't just a physical reality but a holistic invitation to more.  And we hear this repeated throughout His life every time He teaches about the Kingdom of God.  There is an inherent subtext that calls us forth to not only "do" what He did but "be" who He is.

In this sense, we are not only to be influenced by Jesus and His teachings but also called emulate His actions.  But be warned, this is not a mere moral decision or self-help philosophy, this is a call to die; to die to our own agenda and chase after the wild and whimsical Spirit of Jesus.

But why?  What is His angle?  What motivation would Jesus have to make such a request?  Who does He think He is?

Jesus is a King and He expects... nay, mandates, our undivided devotion.  Jesus doesn't just want part of us.  He wants all of us.  In fact, it's worse than that.  He wants us to be free.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1, NIV

Freedom.

I hear that word-- freedom-- and images of battle usually come to mind.  Sometimes it's Braveheart and other times it's Gladiator while other times it's the Lord of The Rings or Star Wars.  The stark reality that freedom always comes with a price quickly invades my heart and then it becomes clear what drives Christ's disposition toward complete and total loyalty... He fought for our freedom-- my freedom-- with his own blood and tears.

What a gift!
He gets my rebellion, brokenness, and self-absorbed narcissism.  
I get His harmony with God, wholeness in Him, and altruism toward others.  
Such unmerited favor!  
Such mercy and grace.

This truth is one that is so profound, so transformational that I must remind my heart daily of the reality that I now live in-- the aftermath of the cross.  The daily grind of existing leads my heart astray from the abundance and fullness of freedom that Jesus offers me: to live, fully alive.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33, NIV

Oh that our generation, my peers, would awaken from their slumber!  That they would declare  "Enough!" and allow Jesus to loose the chains that bind their hearts and minds.  That they would choose to be known as Sons of God rather than slaves to a god of their own design.

The freedom that awaits them...
The abundance that is already theirs...
My soul cries out, "Your heart free! Have the courage to follow it."