“Let us follow the Lord’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25
“Follow Jesus, and those who are following Him, and you will never go astray.”
My thoughts today are about “follow the leader.”
When I was a boy – “before technology” as my 11 year-old grandson today so matter-of-factly described that time in my life – our games were played on the streets, back yards, schoolyards, or an empty lot in our neighborhood, not on video games in the living room. One of the games we played in our neighborhood was “follow the leader,” along with stick ball, street football, kick the can, etc. The premise was simple; whatever the leader did everyone else had to do exactly the same. The last one able to successfully do so became the leader for the next round.
Life is lived best when you are following a leader, as long as it is the right leader that you are following. Everyone is following someone. Some people choose who they will follow; by default, others just tag along with the crowd, without any idea who they are following. The leader that you choose to follow will determine where you are going, how you will get there, where you will end up, and who you have become when you get there. So choose the right leader!
First of all, choose to follow God’s Word and God’s Son. You will never be led astray, and you will love where that takes you, now and forever. One of the most common invitations of Jesus was simply, “Follow Me!” It can’t get much simpler than that. “Then Jesus said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23 NIV.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the demands first, and never end up following Jesus. I suggest you keep it simple, and just choose to follow Jesus, as He invites you to do. Closely walking with God will make any demand to be no big deal to do, no great sacrifice to make. Discipleship is not first about what you are asked to do, but more so, it is about Who you are asked to do that for. See Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV/1 Peter 2:21 NIV.
Choose to follow the Holy Spirit in your heart. “I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you . . when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:7/13 NIV. The entire book of Acts is a history of Spirit-filled Christ-followers actively following the Spirit of God’s leading. Paul gave practical advice about following the Holy Spirit in these words: “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 NIV. Learn to recognize and trust the voice of God in your heart.
Choose to follow Godly leaders placed in your life – parents, pastors, teachers, friends, those who are following Jesus. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:7-8 NIV. Paul unashamedly invited others, “follow me, as I follow Christ.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 NIV. Follow Jesus, and those who are following Him, and you will never go astray. That’s not just on Sundays; it is “following the Lord’s leading in every part of our lives,” – your everyday life!
My prayer for you today is that you be a leader who is following Jesus, your Leader.