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| Volume 25 Number 4 April 2023 |
Page 15 |
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| Volume 25 Number 4 April 2023 |
Page 15 |
Royce Pendergrass
“I’m following the leader, the leader, the leader; I’m following the leader, the leader of the band!” As young children, most of you probably ran around chanting that song, either following someone or pretending to follow someone. It was an enjoyable thing to do as we were expressing happiness at following the one who was leading the procession. In a word, we were copycats as we tried to do what the leader was doing!
What happiness that could turn out to be for us as we follow our leader, Jesus Christ! In fact, Christ invited us to follow Him as He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24 NKJV). Yet, He didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (v. 25). Indeed, we must decide whether we want to follow our own “pernicious ways” (KJV) or “destructive ways” (NKJV) (2 Peter 2:2) and lose our souls or follow Christ, keep His commandments and gain eternal life. To me, that doesn’t sound like a difficult decision, but there are many who choose to ignore Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life and opt out to do their own “thing.”
Let’s look at a few of the things the Holy Scriptures teach that the faithful must follow. The apostle Paul told the Thessalonian brethren “always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Not only did Paul instruct them to do good when they were with like-minded, faithful people but to do good to all people. He told them to “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). That is the Golden Rule. Paul told young Timothy to “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). What a wonderful admonition for our young folks today! Our young people are being taught “If it feels good, do it!” What a contrast to teach them to stay away from the feel-good things but rather feel good about your love for and faithfulness to God. John reinforced this teaching as he said, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11). Whether young or old, the choice is up to you!
Then, there is this promise to help you when you make the decision to follow what is good: “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). That Scripture doesn’t mean you won’t ever suffer because of your faith, for Paul told Timothy that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). In fact, Paul taught that the faithful will suffer some sort of affliction or harassment by those who reject the truth. What is promised is that “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). If our hearts are right with God, He will provide what we need to see us through the hard times.
Of course, Jesus was the perfect example of refusing to follow Satan and his evil. Our Lord taught us how to do God’s will and to remain faithful through all kinds of temptations, harassment, ridicule, physical abuse, etc. By rejecting all the wiles of Satan, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Even though we are determined to remain faithful, life on this earth is not always easy. When we want to do the right thing, there are many temptations to do the opposite, perhaps so that we can be more socially acceptable. Do you want to be accepted by God or by those around you who are serving Satan (Galatians 1:10; James 4:4)?
We often sing a song that says, “Where He leads, I’ll follow.” Do you mean it? There’s a promise that can help us to follow the right leader: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). If you want to be with the Lord, you must follow Him!
My Ship of Life
Cliff Holmes
My ship sails over life’s darkening main
Traversing lightning, thunder, and rain.
Through threatening waves goes the strong prow
As in deep prayer on bended knee I do bow.
My Bible, the rudder, a strong mighty force
Guiding, correcting and righting my course.
With daily devotion from God’s Holy Word
Urging me onward to serve my Dear Lord.
Christ at the helm of the ship strong and true
He’s the shipmaster, He captains the crew.