There comes a point in your walk with God when you have to make a quality to decision to follow Him, regardless of what anyone else does or says. If your walk is resting on what others do, fail to do, say or don’t say, you may not be as committed as you would like to think.
John 21:18-22 Truly, truly, I say to you (Peter), when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
Peter and John were with Jesus from the beginning, but now things were about to change, as Jesus was preparing to ascend to the Father. In its simplest form, Peter asked Jesus, “What about John?” Short answer: “What about him? You follow Me!” This is one dialogue worth hitting “Rewind” every so often, especially when it comes to following Jesus wherever He may lead you. There may be the temptation to consider others first before moving on with your journey, especially those who are the closest to you. Why consider other people’s opinions before obeying the voice of the Lord? Our responsibility begins and ends to Him. Please do not get lost with peripheral issues here (such as seeking council when the occasion calls, etc.). We’re talking strictly from the standpoint of obedience. Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. “What about them?” “You follow me!”
No one else can walk your walk for you. While you may have mentors to help guide you, you must guard your heart from placing them where they do not belong. Mentor worship is an easy trap to fall into. If they properly do their job, they will not try to keep you dependent on them. Those who disciple others should be focused on getting them to rely on Jesus and hearing His voice. When Paul told others to follow him, he was not referring to himself per se; rather, Him Who lives in Paul. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ (see also 1 Corinthians 4:16). It is one thing to make yourself available; but, it’s a terrible disservice to get someone totally dependent on you. That is dysfunctional, and that is not healthy!
What happens if one’s mentor is no longer available? “You follow Me!” How many quit following Jesus, or have left the Church because someone they respected did something contrary to the Word of God? Where was their trust? Were they following Jesus, or just a mere man or woman?
Since everyone is designed to have a unique relationship with God, each one’s calling differs from another. Sure, some callings are connected or similar to others. However, seasons change, and sometimes people go different directions. You have to stay focused on what the Lord called you to do. No one else can do it like you. On the same token, you cannot do someone else’s ministry like he or she can. He or she was anointed for that task; not you. Keep in mind, just because someone else’s’ calling is different than yours, it doesn’t mean it is better or vice versa. Embrace the relationship and embrace your specific gifts and calling. In essence, our gifts and callings are still one.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Whether or not someone you respect keeps his or her charge, keep your eyes on task. Should you find yourself in the midst of hardship, remember His grace will get you through. “You follow Me!”
This book is a great help to those who have experienced a tragic loss, or need a resource to help minister to those going through the grieving process. All proceeds from this book go toward helping Ben and Jenna Jury (the authors) fund their adopting a boy from Vietnam.
