Centered Part One: Follow Like Jesus

I am a follower

In truth I struggle with following. It isn’t always about the need to lead. Often, I want the freedom to go my own way without constraint. I want to exercise my rights and freedom. We hear a lot about that today. We want our rights and freedoms, but I am discovering that rights and freedoms in the absence of responsibility and restraint are unhealthy. Still, I fight the notion of giving up control of my life. mmm…. must have freedom.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

Following like Jesus

I dream of teaching men and women to follow “Attend a Followship Conference Near You!” It is a commendable dream, but who would pay to attend a “Followship” conference? Would you? Marketing would be a nightmare, because following doesn’t draw a crowd, leading does. I get my inspiration from Christ Jesus. Jesus didn’t develop leadership seminars He taught following.

Jesus Christ, the follower; it seems almost sacrilegious to say it. We know that we are to follow Jesus, but whom does He follow? Scripture tells us that Jesus follows God the Father and that He is under the authority of God the Father: “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).

Follower or servant? Being a follower is different than being a servant. Being a servant implies that one is without options. Servants are acquired by their master, but followers choose their master; servants are conscripted but followers sign up. Followers may choose to serve, but servants are rarely given the freedom to choose.

Christ chose to serve, and in doing so He became the ultimate follower:

The reason My Father loves me is that I lay down My life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father (John 10:17-18).

To be a great leader you must submit and follow; to be a great follower, you must submit and follow.

Questions for Reflection:

What do you think of the statement to be a great leader you must submit and follow?

What are the difficulties in following?