Following is often the most difficult thing we do.
At the very least, maybe for me more than thee.
When I often share my philosophy of life down the road
I share it like this:
If we are headed the same way
at the same speed to a similar destination,
all things being equal, I want to be in front.
What’s the biggest problem with following?
Trust. You must trust the person in front to lead properly.
You must depend on them to share warnings of what’s on the path ahead.
Keep everything in focus. Know the potential dangers.
Often, I find it hard to trust.
The meaning is simple, at least from my point of view.
From behind, I can see whether you are a focused leader.
Do you wander, weave, speed up, slow down,
Or can you aggressively keep your focus so others can follow seamlessly?
I determine if you are a kind leader by how you treat others.
Along the path, I want to watch you act in advance of problems.
I certainly don’t want to see you continually bottlenecked.
Life is too short to always be at the back of a struggling leader.
As a leader, the job is not any easier than a follower.
We all follow someone or something bigger than ourselves.
I constantly find “me” taking account of my “qualities”
That makes me a “leader” someone else will want to follow.
Are you a follower or a leader? Can you be both?
Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
The best success of a leader is one who is in front,
Not merely instructing. They are showing and doing.
Proverbs 3:1-12
(Emphasis Mine)
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
(Proverbs 3:1-12 NKJV)