I am one who considers himself a "follower of Jesus", while generally avoiding the "Christian" label. That is because I believe in ACTIVE SUBSTANTIAL obedience to the sayings of Jesus of Nazareth, first and foremost. I hold these sayings as sacred above ALL OTHER sayings and scripture, and I reject any and all interpretations of scriptures which might tend to water down or negate obedience to His sayings as a requirement for anyone claiming to follow Him.
Luke 6:46
And why call you me, Lord, Lord; and DO NOT the things which I say?
I want my house founded upon a rock as described by Jesus ALONE. There is only one way to accomplish this:
Matthew 7
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine AND ACTS ON THEM, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock…
Matthew 7
21"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
22"Many [Christians] will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Note that Jesus is specifically referring to Christians, as they will be claiming to have done those things (prophesied, cast out demons and performed miracles) in His name.
I reject all teachings and scriptural interpretations that even remotely suggest that not acting upon Jesus' sayings will in any way be justified in the end by anyone claiming to follow Him.
I hear His voice and I follow Him. And Him alone. I will not follow a stranger. One Shepherd, One Teacher, of One Flock.