I Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Luke 9:23-25 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
I am not a good follower, I never have been, and probably never will be a good follower. My career has always caused me to move fast and think fast. I walk rapidly even when I’m off duty. I drive too fast. I even speak too fast. I have a lot to say in a short amount of time so I have to say it quickly. My patients have had to remind me on occasion to slow down when they catch me talking too fast. And I’ve even been accused of not being a natural born southerner due to my rapid speech. I can’t help it. There is much to accomplish with little time available to accomplish those things.
Because I’m always on the go and moving quickly, I can not stand following. I do not like getting behind a slow moving vehicle. I don’t like to walk behind slow walking people. I’ve got things to do. I can’t follow. I’ve got to lead. Oh my! Do I have trouble with this one! In this fast paced world we live in, there is One who is worthy of being followed: Jesus Christ! BUT He doesn’t merely want us to follow Him, He commands it. How then does a fast moving, fast talking girl like me quit trying to take the lead and slow down and just follow? I think the key is learning to slow down.
First of all, we have to make time for Christ. We are so busy with worldly obligations. We have to set aside time specifically for Christ. We need time every day to really soak in the Word of God. Linger over the scripture. Don’t rush through it. Slow down and absorb it. Study the Word and take time to ask God what He is trying to teach you. Through studying His Word and speaking to Him in prayer, you will hear His voice. You probably will not hear the audible voice of God, but you will hear from Him if you take the time to listen. He will guide your path and let you know what you should be doing and even where you should be going. Then, finally, you just have to follow His lead. Let Christ lead you. Be obedient to His commands.
Being a Christ follower isn’t just about following the leader. It’s living it out. Living for Christ daily. Sharing Christ with others. When we follow Christ we have to leave things behind that hinder us from having a close relationship with Him. We have to put Him first, others second, and ourselves last. That’s tough in this me, me, me society we live in. It’s hard to learn to be a follower when you’re born to be a leader. How about following Christ so enthusiastically that you can’t help but lead others to Him? Hmm! Follow the Leader, and lead others to Him! That’s what it’s all about! Leading others to Christ. Live it! Love it! Follow Him! If you keep your eyes on Christ, I promise you that you can’t go wrong. You can only go right! You just have to follow the Leader!
Inspirations from the Funny Farm 