Walking with God (Part 4): The Heart of a Follower
Liz Thornton

If you want to see what Jesus said about how we should live—about what it really means to walk with Him—you just have to read the gospels. What He said was radical. Challenging.

Take the stories of the Rich Young Ruler and Zacchaeus. Two men who both sought an encounter with Jesus. Both were offered salvation. Yet their responses couldn’t have been more different. One walked away sad, unable to let go of his riches. The other was filled with joy, gladly giving away his wealth.

So what do these stories teach us about walking with God?

1. Walking with God is not based on works.
The Rich Young Ruler thought his works were enough. “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. But Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing…” (Luke 18:21–22). Salvation is never about what we do—it is always by grace. Zacchaeus didn’t earn his salvation by giving; he gave because salvation had already reached his heart. Just like a parent doesn’t love their child because of what they do, but simply because of who they are, so God loves us. Our works don’t qualify us, and our mistakes don’t disqualify us. His grace saves us.

2. Walking with God means examining what holds our hearts.
The Rich Young Ruler’s wealth held him back. Zacchaeus, however, was so gripped by the joy of salvation that he willingly let go of his riches. We live in a culture where so many things compete for our hearts—money, possessions, work, family. None of these are wrong in themselves, but when they take God’s place, they become barriers. Jesus’ words, however, are reassuring: “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Zacchaeus’ story is proof that God can free our hearts.

3. Walking with God will cost us.
Jesus told His disciples to count the cost. Following Him isn’t always easy. It means daily surrender—being willing to give up whatever He asks, to obey in both the small and the big things. Sometimes the cost is possessions, sometimes comfort, sometimes convenience. But the reward is eternal life. Treasure in heaven.

So here’s the challenge: What’s holding your heart? Are you willing to count the cost? Walking with God is radical, but it’s the only way to truly live.