“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
As a child “Following the Leader” was such a fun thing to do, mimicking the leaders actions, following their every step. Even when the leader took crazy twists and unexpected turns it simply added to the joy of the experience. I can still hear the song in my head and the squeals of laughter as I watched my own children following along one behind the other in a moment of happy sibling fun. (Rare as those might have been.)
Yet, as adults the call to “Follow the Leader” often seems to take on a negative tone. We take on an attitude of boredom, viewing the way ahead as one of drudgery. There seems to be no sense of excitement or joy from being able to “Follow the Leader”. We gripe at every twist and turn, we doubt the intended purpose for every change of course; but all the while our Lord and Savior calls us to follow knowing the unexpected joy that lies ahead. He sees what we can not see and He knows what we do not yet understand.
John 8:12 KJV
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
He lovingly guides us, longing for us to look up and smile knowing that though the path may be uncertain and the way ahead is unclear He is directing our every step toward a good and fruitful end. If only we look beyond ourselves and focus on the leader, “Following the Leader” becomes so much more, the joy and the laughter return. Life takes on a whole new meaning when we look to our leader with the faith of a small child, trusting Him with all that comes from “Following the Leader”.
John 10:27-28
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Proverbs 21:21
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.”
John 13:36
“Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.”