Follow the Leader
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1Corinthians 11:1) The Kingdom of God is not a matter of in dependence, but inter dependence and the willingness to be led. God has been so good to place those before us who will lead us in the way we should go, if only we will follow them; and He holds us responsible for recognizing, honoring, and imitating them as they imitate Christ. So, note and revere the men and women who are over you in the Lord, for that is a pathway of peace. Just as Jesus was an Example to His disciples, the Kingdom advances when we follow closely behind the leaders God ordains in our day. He has given some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), so that His church is equipped, edified, and ushered into spiritual maturity. This leadership is not based on giftedness or superiority, but humility and grace — and if those leaders are following Christ, they are worth following. We can confide...