To Die or to Follow

Yesterday while going through a Gospel Examen at EXAMEN.me I read John 12:20-26. In the passage Jesus uses two metaphors for the Christian life; Die and Follow.

Jesus said that if we die, we bear much fruit.  But he also said, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me.”  These two metaphors seem mutually exclusive. You cannot follow if you you are dead.

But both of these metaphors speak volumes to me.  There are days I need to die to myself.  I have an agenda, I want to see my agenda accomplished, it is all about me.  I need to die.  But there are also days I need to get off my lazy butt and have the couraage to follow.  God is leading down a hard road, but I am hesitant to believe and follow.  I need to hear the message he gave Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” I need to follow.

Is it harder for you to die or follow?