John 3:36 tells us, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life. “This verse reveals the truth that some will say “yes” to following Jesus while others will say “no.”

By the way, there are consequences mentioned for our decision. When it comes to us being a Christ-follower, when we say “yes” to this invitation, at the same time we are saying “no” to a life of practicing sin.

On the other hand, if we say “no” to the invitation to follow Jesus, then we are saying “yes” to living a life apart from a relationship with God.

It goes deeper than this. When a person says “yes” to following Jesus, this means saying “no” to things that keep them from taking time to pray and study the Bible – things necessary for spiritual growth.

For me, it will mean saying “no” to alternatives that keep me from my church home where I find a place where I can fellowship with other believers as we worship our heavenly Father.

It will mean saying “no” to selfishness that will prevent me from honoring God with my money, time and energy. It will mean saying “no” to the temptation of using my gifts to just expand my kingdom instead of the Lord’s.

Again, the opposite is true. If I say “no” to following Jesus, then I am saying “yes” to everything that keeps me from being and doing that which will be to my benefit and that which will give honor to my heavenly Father.