Telltale Characteristics of a Follower of Christ

In the previous post I challenged us to see ourselves as followers of Christ who have been and are being transformed. What are some of the ways that God wants to change us? What are some telltale characteristics of a follower of Christ? Paul urges us, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us some very clear indicators of what it means to follow him. Observe how relational these characteristics are. These indicators are not meant as a list to keep—that does not work in a relationship! Instead, view them more like relational skills in pursuing our relationship with Christ. (What I’ve provided below are merely five such characteristics.)

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus’ followers listen to his voice. I used to view prayer as a big “ask” session with God in which I presented all my requests. It’s true, he does want us to make requests of him—and often. But since then I’ve realized that prayer has more to do with being still before him and listening to him.

Think about any meaningful relationship with another person. If all I do is talk in their company, I communicate that the relationship is all about me. My incessant talking tells them that this relationship exists for what I can gain from it. But listening is one of the greatest expressions of love, demonstrating to the other person how much they mean to us. I want to come before God in prayer to enjoy and bask in his presence!

Humble service toward others is another telltale sign of a follower of Christ. Jesus gives us this characteristic in the context of washing his disciples’ feet in John 13. He says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Humbly serving others requires living life with a view to others’ needs. We cannot be self-absorbed or self-focused in following Jesus.

Jesus gives us another characteristic of his followers in John 13:34, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus is showing us here that love for each other and love for him are inseparable. We cannot love Jesus and hate our brother or sister. If we have a problem with one of our heavenly Father’s kids, we have a problem with our heavenly Father.

Jesus goes so far as to say that our love for each other will be the sign by which others can tell we are Christ-followers! (John 13:35)

Another indicator that we are following Jesus is that we obey him. Jesus said in John 14:23 that if we love him, we’ll obey him. Notice that obedience is not a precursor to following him, but results from it. We don’t obey Jesus so that he’ll love us. We obey him because we love him.

In John 15:5 (NLT) Jesus explained, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” A fifth characteristic of followers of Christ from John’s Gospel is that we remain in him and bear much fruit.

To remain in him means to live in, dwell in, reside in, abide in, hang out with, stay with him. And in his presence we cannot remain unchanged! When we remain in him, he produces fruit in our lives just like the vine sustains and produces fruit in the branches that grow from it.

“Fruit” in this context is a lifestyle that brings glory to God (vs. 8). And a lifestyle that brings glory to God is one which demonstrates his character to others. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a snapshot of God’s character, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

©2009 Rob Fischer