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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
“Where He leads me I will follow”
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.
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“Your representative betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices his judgment to your opinion.”
“Leadership requires moral rather than intellectual effort, and it imposes on both leader and follower alike the burdens of self-restraint.”
“If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
Jesus Christ, Matthew 15:14
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"Take the 100% Safe Way
In Matthew 7:13-14 our Lord teaches about two gates, the two ways, and the two destines that every human being must choose between in living their life. His imperative instruction is for each of us once and for all to "enter ye in at the strait gate." The title of this article is a paraphrase of these words: take "the 100% safe way" that leads to life.
As parents, children and families, we are faced with a multitude of choices and decisions every day. How can we assimilate all of the information, propaganda and peer pressure aimed at us, and still make sound, godly, and righteous decisions about what we say, what we do, and where we go? May I suggest, as a general guideline, take "the 100% safe way."
In the field of moral values, for instance, the culture we live in portrays promiscuity both before and after marriage as the standard of behavior for the day. What should a young man or woman do when pressured to become intimate before marriage? Take "the 100% safe way." No disease, unwanted pregnancy, or lasting deep emotional hurt will come from this choice. Yet, it will make possible a life-long commitment to happiness in a monogamous marriage to one special person without fears or painful memories ever threatening to emerge. Any sinful act that is never done needs not to be remembered and cannot ever threaten a bright and promising future.
What about the ever popular vices of alcohol, tobacco and drugs? Take "the 100% safe way." Something cannot become a habit in your life if you never start it. Do not engage in any behavior that you are not willing to become addicted to or make a habit of the rest of your life. No one in my circle of experience has ever said to me, "I just can't wait to become addicted to nicotine and slowly kill myself while sending thousands of dollars up in smoke in the process." Neither has anyone stated, "I just can't wait to become a drug addict so I can become a thief to support my habit and burn out my brain and vital body organs in a race for death." All it takes is one wrong turn to get lost on the rest of your journey. Do not allow yourself to premeditatedly and willingly make that one wrong turn. Take "the 100% safe way."
A third area in which many play "salvation roulette" [like playing "Russian roulette" only with your soul], involves marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In over a quarter of a century of preaching the gospel, I have observed that anyone can find a preacher or some other "religious authority" who will tell them to do whatever they want. Readers, do not take chances in this area of your life. Personal pleasure for a short time in this life is not worth losing one's hope of eternal life in the world to come. Take "the 100% safe way."
Taking "the 100% safe way" is not always easy. It has obstacles and challenges to face. You will be criticized and chided for doing it. Others will not understand why you are making things hard for yourself. Some will counsel and pressure you just to give up and give in to being like everyone else. As this happens, just remind yourself that there are only two gates, two ways, and two destinies in life. You can enter, walk, and arrive at only one of them. Take "the 100% safe way," and you will never regret it, either in this life or in the life to come.
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