Every video I watch on YouTube has a section where I’m encouraged to hit the “Like” button and subscribe to the producer’s channel. At the moment, I’m subscribed to about 12 different channels: Everything from churches’ channels to videography and photography channels to ones that show new tech gadgets. It was easy to do. I just clicked a link.

How easy is it to hit the “like” or “follow” button on social media? With one little tap or click we announce our agreement with someone and our desire to spend more time finding out more about what they have to say.

But that kind of “following” is a far cry from what Jesus asks of those who would follow Him.

Mark 8:34-35 says, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

That’s a pretty serious commitment. It’s life and death. It means that Jesus comes first—that He’s not part of our life, He IS our life. Unfortunately, too many people (even those who would call themselves Christian) are barely as dedicated to following Jesus as they are to their favorite star’s Instagram.

We all get a little bit spiritually lazy at times, but Jesus deserves far more than our leftover attention and energy.

As you pray today, ask God to help you see how truly devoted to Him you are, and commit to following Him the way He asks you to.