And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 (KJV).‬‬

REFLECT:
Follow the Leader! This phrase is a popular term used in most Kindergarten classrooms. Young children know exactly what to do when they are told to follow the leader and they take this instruction very seriously.

If this instruction does not go very well or if the class leader for that day is not able to lead as expected, that is, in line with class agreements or rules, then there is going to be a problem. Such problems as transition times between different routines would likely be disrupted, delayed, or even lost altogether.
Every Kindergarten teacher will tell you that this is not a good thing for everybody, because we all want to benefit and get the best out of every allotted time.

Amazingly, these little ones know when the line leader for that day is not following the agreed laid down principles, expectations, rules, or regulations of the class. They also know it would cost them to lose something valuable along the way e.g., time deduction from playtime or other enjoyable class periods they usually look forward to.

Now just like in the kindergarten setting, the same kind of scenario also plays out in the wider society with adults. If there is inconsistency in leadership roles, then it would hamper the smooth flow in the administration or administering of things.

We see this kind of behavior happening in almost all societies around the world, where people commit all of themselves, time, resources, etc. to following leaders who turn out to be very corrupt, break promises and agreements, become bullies, dictators, and despots.

One thing we must realize is that the world can never give us perfect leaders, there must be a lacking somewhere, this is because our perfect leader is God Almighty through His Son Jesus. Our Lord Jesus was the epitome and example of good leadership all through when He walked on this earth.

As Jesus engaged and related with His disciples and the populace, He did this in total truth and transparency. He kept to all His words /promises and followed through even to the painful and shameful death on the cross. He never shied away from His responsibilities or gave flimsy excuses for anything. He strove to live following the will and dictates of God the Father and accomplished His role perfectly.

Therefore, since we have such a perfect example in Christ Jesus, we should have no problems emulating. He first demonstrated this to us, and thus expects our full commitment to Him, which would be only fair that we reciprocate the same enthusiasm, to love and follow Him by giving Him our all, our everything just as our Bible verse for today encourages us to do.

Moreover, we stand to gain more when we decide or make up our minds to follow Jesus daily. We gain all that Heaven has to offer, as was mentioned earlier, He kept and still keeps to all His promises. He came that we should have life and life more in abundance. (Jonh 10:10). We will all agree that this is a good deal, especially, in a world where all we do is trade to get the best. Therefore, following Jesus our leader is the ultimate best deal we can ever have.

As we agree to commit ourselves to Jesus by surrendering our all to Him and carrying our crosses to follow Him, we find out that it does not only end at the point of our reciprocal commitment to all He has done for us as our Good leader and Shepherd, but more so, what we receive or gain from Him, which is–all of Him.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer to Follow Jesus.

FATHER GOD, thank You for Jesus. I am grateful that I have the perfect role model to follow. Jesus gives me everything I need to look up to. I know it is not natural for me to disregard my interests. I need You to work in my life so that I can learn to be a more sacrificial person just as Jesus taught and demonstrated. Please offer me strength in times of trouble and distress. Show me how to carry my cross like Jesus carried His and follow Him just as He has instructed. In JESUS’ MIGHTY NAME AMEN.