You don’t need the whole map today.

Whether you’re following Jesus for the first time or returning to Him, take one small step today. You don’t have to have it all together to keep growing.

1. Start getting to know Jesus.

   Read a little of John, one of the Bible’s accounts of Jesus’ life. Begin with John 1:1–5 below. Take your time, notice what you learn about Him, and write down a question you want to explore.

   ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

   ²The same was in the beginning with God.

   ³All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made.

   ⁴In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

   ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.

2. Talk with God today.

   Use your own words. Thank Him for something. Tell Him what is hard. Ask for forgiveness and help with your next decision. Jesus gave His followers a simple example of how to pray.

   ⁹Pray like this: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

   ¹⁰Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

   ¹¹Give us today our daily bread.

   ¹²Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

   ¹³Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’

3. Find people to walk with.

   Tell a trusted Christian, “I’ve decided to follow Jesus. Could we read the Bible or pray together?” Look for a local church where the Bible is taught, people care for one another, and you can ask honest questions.

   ⁴²They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

   ⁴³Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

   ⁴⁴All who believed were together, and had all things in common.

   ⁴⁵They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

   ⁴⁶Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

   ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

4. Learn about baptism.

   Jesus taught His followers to be baptized. Baptism is a step of faith that connects with His death, resurrection, and your new life in Him. Ask a pastor or Christian community to explain it and help you prepare.

   ¹⁹Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

   ²⁰teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

5. Practice love in something ordinary.

   Listen to someone. Make an apology. Help where you can. Following Jesus grows into the way you treat people, one choice at a time. Ask Him to help you live what you are learning.

   ³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.

   ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”