Are You a Reluctant Christ Follower?
- Arnie Cole
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Are you a reluctant Christ Follower? Please take the simple 3-question survey: https://bttb.org/SundayReluctant
Granted, I had a sheltered life, until I realized how “fun” it was to do things that the Bible clearly said were wrong for me. I can remember like it was yesterday in sixth grade singing at the top of my lungs…
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
If no one joins me, still I will follow,
If no one joins me, still I will follow,
If no one joins me, still I will follow,
No turning back, no turning back.
If only it were as easy as singing the song as a naive child who hasn’t ever really seen or tasted all the promises of thrills and happiness that Satan has to offer.
Ever since then, I have fought with reluctance. First, I was reluctant to give up my evil ways to follow Jesus until I faced death in a storm off of Alaska when I was 47 years old. Then, as a Christ Follower, I have struggled greatly to this day with a severe case of reluctance.
So it makes sense as a researcher, that after two decades of researching spiritual growth and observing over a million lives up close in general population studies and in ministry, I’ve come to a difficult but undeniable conclusion: the greatest spiritual struggle in the Christian life isn’t ignorance, immorality, or even apathy—it’s reluctance.
Not outright rebellion. Not hatred for God. But a subtle, slow resistance to fully following Jesus.
Reluctance wears many disguises. It looks like the mature believer who loves Scripture but never shares their faith. It shows up in the leader who teaches others to trust God while quietly playing it safe when God calls them into something uncomfortable. It appears in the churchgoer who sings loudly on Sunday but shrinks back when asked to serve, give, lead, or speak up for truth during the week.
Jesus asked a piercing question in Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
It’s as if He anticipated our condition and directly addressed those people who want the blessings of His lordship but hesitate at the cost of obedience. The people who claim allegiance with their lips but hold back with their lives.
Have you ever considered that you might be a reluctant Christ follower?
Not in the obvious ways. You probably believe in Him. You may pray, read Scripture, and attend church. But do you hesitate when He asks for more?
More courage to speak when silence is safe.
More generosity when comfort is threatened.
More forgiveness when your wounds are deep.
More surrender when your plans are already in motion.
More boldness when He says, “Go,” but you’d rather stay.
If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with reluctant servants—Moses, Jonah, Esther, Peter, Thomas, and even Paul’s first ministry partner, John Mark. But they weren’t disqualified by their hesitation. Instead, they were transformed when they trusted God more than their fears, excuses, or comforts.
The good news is that Jesus doesn’t abandon reluctant followers. Instead, He invites us deeper. And in His invitation is the power to change. But first, we must be honest enough to ask:
Where in my life am I calling Him “Lord,” but not doing what He says?
That question could change everything.
Please take the survey: https://bttb.org/SundayReluctant. We guarantee thinking about how you answer could radically change your life.
All in, eyes up!
-Arnie
