As he went along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen). Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.” They left their nets immediately and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18 NET)

Self-improvement programs. The mere sound of the phrase makes me cringe. For years it seemed I was always trying to improve myself. You can go to any bookstore and the shelves are lined with books telling you how to be fitter, look younger, find success, be all that you want to be. Within the Body of Christ we spiritualize it by saying, “Be all that God wants you to be.” It sounds so noble, so holy. But if your experience was anything like mine, it leads to frustration and despair.

Why does it seem so hard? The problem with self-improvement programs is the first word: self. The idea that we in our own power we can achieve greatness is rooted in pride. Galatians 3:10 in the Amplified Bible tells us that all who rely on the works of the law (all who rely on their own self-effort) are under a curse, doomed to disappointment and destruction. In other words, trying to achieve greatness in your own strength is futile.

So what’s the answer? Are we doomed to a life of frustration? Not at all. Jesus gives us a major key in this passage In Mark. He tells Simon and Andrew that it is He that will turn them into fishers of men. He, the Son of God, is taking responsibility for their transformation. What is their part? They have to follow Him. They are not doing this alone. As they follow Him, as they submit to Him, humble themselves before Him, He will oversee their development.

Following Him is not a passive activity. It is not sitting on the couch, eating Doritos, watching TV, waiting on the angel of the Lord to appear and zap us. Following Him is something we do daily. We daily sit in His Presence, read the Word, pray, worship Him. On a daily basis we commit ourselves to Him. Our every decision is based on His will. In a very real sense, He becomes our coach our personal trainer. This is a lifestyle of following His leading.

The end of following Him is glorious. The Apostle Paul summed it up by saying, “I have competed well; a I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me” (2Tim 4:7-8a). There is no better way to live than to follow Him.