The words of this familiar song remind us that we must be willing to follow Jesus in our every day life. Man can develop a negative attitude about being a “follower,” to the degree that we often rebel against leaders, from local all the way to international leaders. Some of this may be justified because of a lack of integrity in some leaders, but Christians have specific obligations to follow those who are our “leaders.”
The following passages encourage our “follow-ship:”
“You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you,” Deuteronomy 16:20.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,” Matthew 16:24.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,” John 10:27.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow,” Hebrews 13:7.
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good,” 3 John 1:11.
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps,” 1 Peter 2:21.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 11:1.
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil,” Exodus 23:2.
There is a growing need for leaders in our nation, our community and in the church of our Lord. But leadership is diminished, if not rendered powerless, when no one is willing to follow. Moses led sheep for years, had the quality of meekness, and was equipped by the power of God. Still, some rebelled against him, Numbers chapters 12, 16. Jesus had great leadership skills, but many refused to follow, John 6:66. Good leadership depends, to a great extent, on good followers.
The word disciple has within it the principle of being a follower. Jesus told his disciples that if they chose to be His disciples they must truly follow Him. But the previously quoted scriptures indicate there are times to follow and times to lead. Therein lies the real difficulty for Christians, for there are leaders who will not submit themselves to Christ, and consequently are false disciples. Such leadership we must reject.
When the Holy Spirit gave instructions for leadership in Christ’s church, certain specific traits are to characterize them. They are to act as shepherds, pastors, bishops or overseers, and should be men with sufficient age, experience and wisdom to be elders. The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote:
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief,” Hebrews 13:17.
It follows, therefore, that if those appointed as elders, shepherds or overseers of a local congregation are duly qualified, and are leading within biblical principles, not seeking to be “lords over God’s heritage,” 1 Peter 5:3, that the congregation is obligated to follow them. When that follow-ship exists, peace and harmony can exist, and the work of the church can be accomplished. When it does not exist, it is then that division and bitterness begin to characterize a congregation.
The church in Dripping Springs has been above reproach in this regard for years, and for this the elders commend you. There is no reason to believe that this attitude is in any jeopardy now, and we do not anticipate such in the future. But Satan is highly motivated to bring down any congregation with such unity and harmony. Since the Bible warns about Satan’s power, we strongly encourage all to heed the Holy Spirit’s words:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” 1 Peter 5:8.
The elders of this congregation commend each member for your willing cooperation over the years, and we thank you for the confidence you have placed in us. We humbly ask that this confidence continues, and that we are included in your prayers.
