How to Follow Jesus: 7 Daily Choices That Help Preteens Grow in Faith
Following Jesus is about much more than attending church or knowing Bible stories. Every day, preteens face choices that shape who they become. Learning how to follow Jesus means choosing His way at school, at home, with friends, and even when no one else is watching.
Jesus didn’t ask people simply to admire Him. He invited them to follow Him. That invitation is still open today.
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
Many people think following Jesus means memorising Bible verses, obeying rules, or trying to be a “good person.”
While those things have value, they aren’t where following Jesus begins.
Following Jesus means learning to trust Him, becoming more like Him, and allowing His teachings to guide the way we live. It’s a relationship that affects our decisions, attitudes, and actions every day.
When we understand how to follow Jesus, our faith becomes something we live instead of something we only talk about.
Jesus Invited People to Follow Him
When Jesus walked through towns and villages, He often used two simple words:
“Follow Me.”
He spoke those words to fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary workers, and people whose lives needed hope and direction.
None of them were perfect.
Jesus wasn’t looking for perfect people.
He was looking for willing hearts.
That’s still true today.
How to Follow Jesus at School
School is one of the biggest places where preteens live out their faith.
Following Jesus might look like:
- Being honest even when cheating seems easier.
- Including someone who feels left out.
- Speaking kindly instead of joining gossip.
- Showing respect to teachers.
- Standing up for what is right even if friends disagree.
These everyday moments are where faith becomes real.
Learning how to follow Jesus isn’t about making one huge decision. It’s about making hundreds of small faithful choices.
Following Jesus at Home
Our homes are often where our character is tested the most.
Following Jesus means:
- Listening to parents with respect.
- Helping without always being asked.
- Saying sorry when we’ve hurt someone.
- Choosing forgiveness instead of holding a grudge.
- Showing patience with brothers and sisters.
These ordinary moments help shape extraordinary character.
Following Jesus Means Choosing Love
Jesus gave His followers one simple command:
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
That kind of love isn’t just a feeling.
It’s something we choose.
Sometimes loving others means:
- Sharing.
- Encouraging.
- Forgiving.
- Being patient.
- Serving someone without expecting anything back.
Every loving action reflects the heart of Jesus.
We Won’t Always Get It Right
Everyone makes mistakes.
Even Jesus’ closest followers sometimes failed.
Peter denied Jesus.
Thomas doubted.
The disciples argued.
Yet Jesus didn’t give up on them.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean never failing.
It means continuing to trust Him, learning from our mistakes, and allowing Him to help us grow stronger each day.
Walking With Jesus Every Day
Learning how to follow Jesus isn’t something we master in a single day.
It’s a lifelong journey.
As we spend time with God, read the Bible, pray, worship, and choose to obey Him, our lives slowly begin to reflect His character.
Little by little…
Choice by choice…
Day by day…
We become more like Him.
That’s what following Jesus is all about.
Final Thoughts
Many people wonder how to follow Jesus, expecting a complicated answer.
Jesus’ invitation is wonderfully simple:
Trust Him.
Learn from Him.
Walk with Him.
Choose His way every day.
You don’t have to be perfect before you begin.
You simply need to take the next step.
Every day is another opportunity to follow Jesus and discover the life He created you to live.
Ready to Go Deeper?
This article introduces the practical steps of how to follow Jesus. In Growing with God – Lesson 4: What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus Today?, preteens discover what following Jesus looks like in everyday life through engaging discussions, Bible exploration, activities, and take-home resources designed for Sunday School, Kids Church, homeschool, and families.