‘Follow the Leader’ was a game I used to play with my neighborhood friends. I always liked to be the leader because I could be the one to choose where we were going and what we would do next. Besides being a bit bossy, leading was easier for me. Following was harder because I couldn’t control the next move or see which way we were turning or the small actions I was supposed to follow. Often, due to my vision challenges, I would make a mistake and be one of the first to get out of the game.
“I follow this guy on Facebook or Twitter. I listen to so and so on channel such and such for my news.”
These follow the leader phrases as well as those that lead and those that follow are many.
Jesus lead with humility.
His primary goal was to do the will of the father and this required him to follow.
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”
John 6:38 NIV
Later, Jesus asks his disciples to follow. I don’t think he was referring to rules and regulations but rather asking them, and ultimately all those that would later believe in him, to not only follow him but to live like him.
As I study the life of Jesus, I notice a pattern of unbelievable self-less-ness.
He was humble.
He was not self-seeking, self- promoting, self-ambitious, self-centered or even self-reliant.
Even though he was all knowing, able to impress people with mind blowing wisdom and unimaginable facts, he didn’t start with that nor did he solely rely on those things to make his point.
Even though he was and is the creator; supreme authority in all things from eternity to eternity, he didn’t take that position when he walked this earth.
Jesus didn’t jockey for position, need recognition, nor did he try to impress others with his wealth of knowledge because his focus was to follow the father’s plans and purposes.
Jesus was a humble leader.
Because he didn’t force his point of view, insist on always being right, manipulate or demand that others agree with him, some followed.
Because he was others-centered, caring for and listening to people, their struggles and pain, some followed.
Because his character, his words, actions, and reactions, his motives and intentions were humble, some followed.
As I write, I’m challenged to follow better.
If you are anything like me, I often need to tell my story and sometimes I just can’t hold back all my information and wisdom to impress and position myself above others. My motives and
my default is sometimes self.
“Blah blah me, blah blah me, blah blah me.”
Even as I write, my way and my motives can be to impress- ugh!
I’m serious!
I guess what it comes down to, for me, is that I need to get better at follow the leader!
Lord, thank you for following. Thank you for leading. Thank you Jesus for being our example of humility and for giving us a glimpse of how your kingdom works. This kind of living and this kind of following requires a different way of watching. Help us to learn from you and follow you when there are so many other voices trying to lead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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