Following Jesus in a Culture of Distraction

In a world controlled by social media, fleeting trends, and the constant buzz of gossip, how does a Christian stand apart? Our human nature gravitates toward a me-centered culture, yet Christ's way is completely counter cultural to what the world teaches about living. The world promises momentary happiness but leaves us in a pit of dissatisfaction, anger, lust, leading to anxiety and depression. In contrast, the way of Jesus is rooted in joy, hope, and the fruits of the Spirit. But how do we get there? What does it truly mean to see life through the lens of Christ? 

Modern Christianity often tries to "pad the cross", meaning, to make following Christ easy, pleasurable and non-offensive. This mindset leads to the question: “How can I share the gospel without offending someone?" But the gospel is inherently offensive because it is radically countercultural—for a reason. In Matthew 5-7, Jesus lays out the blueprint of what following Jesus looks like in the Sermon on the Mount. He speaks to the poor and weak in spirit, the hungry and merciful, and those who will be persecuted for theirs is the Kingdom. He calls us to give generously, turn the other cheek, and walk in humility. Nowhere does Jesus say that following Him will be easy. Matthew 7: 3-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

There is a right way and a wrong way. A way that leads to life, and one that leads to death. The narrow road is difficult, yet it leads to true life. However, today’s culture tries to soften this reality, making Christianity more culturally appealing by reducing it to an aesthetic, a trend or a question of “What’s in it for me ?”

When we take ourselves out of the center, Jesus shines the brightest. In The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, Tim Keller reflects on Paul’s letter to the church of Corinth, revealing how the world measures success through people-pleasing and inflated egos. But Paul teaches that true rest is found in self-forgetfulness. No amount of personal goodness can make us equal with God—it is only through Jesus, His blood, and His resurrection that we have eternal life. When we step back from our own ambitions, we realize that in the end, it is not about us. Luke 9:23-24 says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Our society wants to bedazzle the cross—to make it comfortable, padded with luxury and ease. But Jesus calls us to something completely different. In the Roman world, carrying a cross was not symbolic act, but meant to be a brutal, humiliating march toward death. When Jesus tells us to deny ourselves and take up our cross, He is calling us to lay down our pride, our comfort, and our selfish desires to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter the cost. Yet, we often invest in temporary pleasures rather than the eternal Kingdom.  

The moment we stop making ourselves the center of the story, true joy begins. Empowerment in Christ does not come from comfort but from surrender. In a world endlessly chasing more, Jesus offers something radically different: true life. Not found in the latest beauty trend, the newest Jordans, or a seasonal pumpkin spice latte, but in the eternal, unshakable hope of life with Him. This gift of life produces strong leaders, poets, artists, authors, and athletes—not because of their personal achievements, but because they walk closely with the Father. True contentment, hope and zeal for life come through Him and by Him alone.

In a culture that prioritizes self, Jesus calls us to die to ourselves so that we may truly live. The world offers temporary satisfaction, but Christ offers eternal joy. Following Him is not easy, but it is worth everything. The challenge remains: Will you choose the narrow road?