The Forgotten Art of Following
As a pastor, I’ve lost count of the number of leadership meetings, workshops, and conferences I’ve attended over the years. The emphasis on leadership development is undeniable. However, in our zeal to equip leaders, we’ve neglected a crucial aspect of the Christian life: followership.
A Culture Obsessed with Leadership
Our culture celebrates leaders and their achievements, often overlooking the value of faithful followers. In the church, we’re no exception. We encourage people to lead, train them to lead, and praise them for their leadership. Meanwhile, followership is relegated to the shadows, perceived as a lack of ambition or initiative.
Rediscovering the Value of Followership
Biblically, followership is not a lesser calling. In fact, it’s a vital part of our spiritual journey. As disciples of Christ, we’re called to follow Him, and this requires a unique set of skills and excellencies. Followership is not about passively going through the motions; it demands intentional effort, discipline, and a willingness to learn from others.
Jesus: The Ultimate Follower
In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as a follower who only does what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19). He models obedience, love, and humility, demonstrating that followership is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength.
The Challenges of Followership
Following Jesus is not easy. It requires us to surrender our will, our pride, and our need for control. We must be willing to listen, learn, and trust in God’s sovereignty. Committed followers press on, even when faced with challenges, hardships, and disappointment. They understand that their daily lives are connected to their faith, and that every moment is an opportunity to trust in God’s presence and power.
Cultivating a Heart of Following
So, how can we cultivate a heart of following? By adopting soul rhythms that prioritize knowing God, aligning with His Spirit, and allowing His Word to penetrate our hearts. By embracing the beauty of followership, we’ll discover a more profound sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
The Rewards of Followership
As we follow Jesus, we’ll experience the rewards of a life well-lived. Our souls will be refreshed, our relationships will flourish, and we’ll know that our obedience is not only noticed but highly regarded by God.
A Call to Follow
Join me on this journey of rediscovering the value of followership. Let’s commit to following Jesus together, embracing the challenges and rewards that come with it. As we do, we’ll hear the ultimate affirmation from our Heavenly Father: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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