"Knowing someone who truly follows Jesus Christ"

Campus Crusade for Christ's mission is simple: "...to build spiritual movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus Christ".

I've read it many times. I've heard it many times. I've definitely said it many more times. But I think something I've really missed out on in my life is being able to experience and ask myself that question: "Do I know someone who truly follows Jesus?"

My first gut reaction is "of course I do!" And, to reassure my Christian friends out there who might be reading this, I'm pretty sure I can name off some who really do follow Jesus.

But, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I've NEVER been able to really focus on those around me and the way they've lived. I have great Christian friends from college and in Indianapolis. I have strong faith-based parents and family. I also have many spiritual mentors who I look up to and admire their faith and devotion to the Lord. I've always taken inspiration and wisdom from these Christians in my life, but rarely have I ever just sat back and watched how those people lived as followers of Christ.

Well, until now.

My current roommates name here in Russia is Andre Anokhin. I've lived with the guy for now 4 days - and he has already encouraged me and inspired me to walk closer to the Lord. Here are a few ways how:

• Daily disciplines of time with God (something I am not good at) - he takes time to study scripture, journal, meditate on the Word, and pray BOTH morning and night. Craziness.
• Devotion to prayer. So many times I've told and heard people tell me "I will pray for you" - or "I'll pray about it". But rarely have I ever seen anyone actually act upon it. I think I've prayed more times randomly in the day with Andre than ever in my life.
• Serving others. This guy is like a servant machine. Part of it is that here in Russia, the body of Christ relies on each other way more than in the states (we've had to help friends put up furniture and carry huge suitcases from the metro to their apartments). But it just has been encouraging for me to see his humility in helping others.
• Commitment to sharing the Gospel. Whether it has been online to random people he has initiated with to talking about God - or in handing old ladies "Knowing God Personally" and "4 Spiritual Law" booklets in the metro after helping them with their bags. It is obvious that his life has been changed by the Gospel - and he is passionate in getting the Word out!
  

I could probably list more - but I often have to catch myself from putting others up too high on a pedestal. I'm sure Andre has his struggles and he is no where near perfect. But it has been encouraging for me to see a peer who, despite being in a culture and country where there is a lot of intimidation and pressure against faith, loves God and truly follows Jesus Christ with his life.

I figured it was worth writing about.

So what about you? Do you know someone who truly follows Christ? If so, have you taken the time to watch them live (not stalkingly - nor facebookishly - but just living life..ishly)?

I encourage you to.

Here's another thing to be reminded of in this blog:

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Hebrews 12. The chapter before it talks about those in the Old Testament who had courageously given up their lives for God. And then Chapter 12 says:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I love it because it encourages me, as a Christian, to know that I am surrounded by those who love God and follow Him...but most importantly it reminds me that I am not only to know of those around me, but to know more of He who is front of me: Jesus. Keep my eyes on Him. Be someone who truly follows Him.

Because in the end... it's all about Him.