I love the way Author and Pastor Ed Dobson explains this in his upcoming book, The Year Of Living Like Jesus (Zondervan, October 2009):

“I don’t like the word Christian. I know it’s a biblical term but…many associate it with America, capitalism and democracy…I don’t like the word evangelical…It’s associated with a political movement known mostly for what it’s against, not what it’s for…I simply say, ‘I’m a follower of Jesus.’”

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Following Jesus is also not “doing” the right things. That is religion and following Jesus is a relationship. This video explains the difference and in a poetic way…

Following Jesus is about having a relationship with Him and understanding that God is in control of every detail of life here on earth. It’s not that we are slaves to Him either. He gives us the ability to choose. To choose Him or not choose him, because those who choose to love someone and be in relationship with them will be committed to that relationship.

WHY CHOOSE JESUS?
Jesus is the son of God. He came to this Earth for one main purpose…To pay the penalty for your sin (the wrongs things you have done, are doing, and will do) by willing choosing to take on the penalty of YOUR sin which is death… With Jesus’ death and resurrection three days later, He conquered sin and death and paid the penalty once for all. With this gift, Jesus has settled the debt that has kept you from close relationship with God. Like the video above said, “Religion says ‘do’ but Jesus says ‘done’” With all that Jesus sacrificed for you, why would you not choose Him? He sacrificed everything purely to save you and expects nothing in return except your love and relationship. Why choose Jesus? Because He created you with a plan and a purpose, He sustains you moment by moment, and He died for you to pay your debt because he wanted to (not because he had too!). What greater example of love is there?

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
That means that those who are radically forgiven need to radically forgive. It means the love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated needs to play out daily in our lives with everyone. It means that we give up our right to plan out every second of our lives to his glorious plan for our lives. Why? Because He is the creator of the universe, who better to trust the details of your life to?

If you have questions about this whole Jesus thing please contact me (webdk1[at]gmail[dot]com)