Article: Christ and His followers were common men, associated with laborers, helped outcasts such as lepers, and brought hope to other ostracized members of society. They lived on the road, often without a roof over their heads, and spent much of their time in learning, quiet contemplation and preparing to take The Good News to all. While you don't necessarily need to hit the highway and live like a minister, a full time disciple, student or missionary to follow Jesus, it's important to know that you also don't need to be a person of wealth, status, speaking skills or other achievement. God uses the basics, the truth -- simple words and messengers. The less self-centered trappings of the material world, the less distracted you'll be from your message of Jesus: the way, truth and the life. When Jesus says I am the way He is talking about in Heaven. you have to call on Him to forgive you to make it to Heaven. Take little steps. Simplify your life. You don't need to adopt a life as a mission or join a ministry team as a minister, necessarily--but get a Bible and study Christ and the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of Paul (much of the New Testament). Instead of entertaining or watching television in the evening, contemplate a particular passage that speaks to you. Pray on it. Think more and do more for Christ, and His people/family/friends. A common area to work on among Christians, in/of religious traditions, can be laying aside self-righteousness, not showing vanity. Followers of Jesus shouldn't feel proud of their humility, or boast of their "spiritual" life. As a follower of Christ, focus, and center your life -- but not because it makes you feel "better than" others: You may choose how to follow because it gets you "closer to" God and to appreciating other believers more, "God's family"; you are one of Jesus' brothers and sisters, "joint-heirs with Jesus Christ". He, despite often communicating in cryptic stories (parables) to the general public, was a direct and completely honest talker to followers, having nothing to hide, and having total confidence in His words, full of the Holy Spirit beyond measure. With friends and accepting coworkers, family and loved ones, be forthright, honest, and direct. Your life will uncomplicate itself as a result. Speaking with hidden motives (wink, wink) and trying to manipulate others is too common in the workplace, at home, and in many interpersonal relationships. Even if you're dissenting nicely, speak your mind with love. Most people respect honesty and decency. So, do not be unnecessarily harsh or judgmental toward others: there is one true Judge. Since "Love never fails" and "God is love!" -- find the kindness in others, being a friend to them: expecting their best, and cultivating positive relationships with people. Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought. Assume you'll enjoy the company of new acquaintances, and learn everything you can from others. Bear your load, and help others bear theirs; tell the truth, and hear the truth, being as happy, patient and kind as possible, through it all. Actively make time for reasonable people who are different than you, having different experiences, who may believe very different things. Listen to them with an open heart, as: "I see what you mean, also have you considered this ___?" Before He went around preaching the gospel, Jesus spent many years in the trade of Joseph, Mary's husband, practicing carpentry. Devoting yourself to a craft, a trade, or skill, can be helpful in allowing you to humble yourself and live more simply. Be good at what you do, and devote part of your life to providing service for your fellow man, Christian and non. Be useful and reliable. Who lacks voice in your world? Who needs to experience real, open channels of communication and fellowship with others, in less privileged circumstances? Jesus sought out the marginalized and associated with the downcast to share His message, and to help in real ways, not just platitudes but action. Expand your mind and your capacity for empathy by spending time with those less fortunate than yourself. You might consider volunteering at soup kitchens, shelters, or donating your time to other organizations that help those in need. Spend time with people, be friendly and learn from them. Don't be a tourist in their bad times and suffering; help some. Charity. You don't have to be a big donor. Your gift need not be money. Offer transportation, bus fare, a car ride, accompany an elder or sick neighbor to the doctor, or help an unemployed person find low priced or free groceries. Visit widows and orphans in their need. Surprise your grandmother with a call and a visit, with little warning. Cook dinner for a friend having a rough spell and get someone to deliver it anonymously and never bring it up. Write letters of support to children or soldiers overseas, and let them know you care, sending some small gifts. Work with church charities. Some churches give a lot of weight to donations, mission-work, and other community operations. You don't need to be a martyr to a great cause to follow Jesus, but you do have to fight your struggles for yourself but never alone. Give yourself up to some calling greater than yourself. Stand up for others' benefits in "the good fight", spiritual battle, wherever you find one. Be a watchman for community standards. Christian believers will experience the issues of doubt. No believer is without it. Even Christ endured 40 days of temptation in the desert, clouded by human doubt. He was 100% man and tempted like we, without fail. Even Christ cried out on the cross, "Father why have you forsaken me?", "It is finished. Into your hand I commit myself!" That conflict was ended. Victories over sin, death and the grave came fast behind. You can deal with weakness, temptation, and doubt with patience, and come through as refined gold from the trying of your faith, covered by God's grace. Approach difficulties and struggles with persistence and focus: this defines your life as a person and as a follower of Christ. Bring some balance into the lives of serious-minded Christians. Soldiering on in blind devotion to tradition or dogma, while merely warming a church bench does not make you a Christian. Think hard about supporting your beliefs. Weigh them constantly. Thanking God in it all. Struggle and stand for the teachings of Jesus and making them an integral part of your daily life.

What is a summary?
Practice helpfulness, openness and humility. Talk more about Jesus. Love your neighbor as yourself. Learn a trade or profession. Identify and support the underprivileged. Find a church that fits in with your desires for belief, involvement and charity. Take up your own cross. Seek wisdom and pass along God's gifts.