Day 76 "Follow The Leader- Jesus!"

Growing up, we often played "Follow the Leader" or "Simon Says." Both games involved having a leader lead, either physically or verbally, and everyone else following what was done or said. How-ever, in "Simon Says," if the leader did not begin the instruction to do something by saying "Simon says" first, then no one was suppose to follow the instructions. In fact, to do so would penalize you.

Interesting, isn't it, as we get older, we still play the game "Follow the Leader?" No, we don't play the game in the same manner anymore. It is more subtle than that. It more like trying to "Keep up with the Joneses." It is having the need to be like the people that other people envy and admire, to have the things that they have, and seldom, if ever, being content with our own state of being or what we already have. Unsettled, we always seem to be in a state of flux, always looking at things as if the the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

But God's word is pretty clear about that pursuit.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for

the Father is not in them." 1 John 2:15

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17

"For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

There is, but, a better way. There is the way of love. When are hearts are renewed by the conditioning of the Holy Spirit, they are changed from one that is focused upon "self" and transformed into one that is concerned for the well-being of others, or as I like to put it, one becomes "otherly-concerned." There is no greater commandment than to love: to love God and to love your neighbor as oneself.

"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you." John 15:9

"Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

And now I (the apostle Paul) will show you the most excellent way. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Follow the way of love." John 14:1

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16

The course of love meanders and weaves its way through life in such a way that it adds deeper colors and richer experiences than otherwise would ever be experienced. It was the calling card by which Jesus invited his disciple to participate in great lifetime experience, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17) Loving is not really what you do, but more about how you do something. Love is the greatest motivator by which anything can be done. As one might say, "It is the sizzle not the steak."

Who is it that does the calling of our hearts? None other than Jesus himself. And who is Jesus Christ?

"The son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being," Hebrews 1:3

"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." John 1:18

"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:25-26

"I (the apostle Paul) am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12

If your life is full of unrest and there seems to be no direction or purpose to your future, may I invite you to get to know Jesus, and the plan that he has for your particular life. He, alone, is worthy to be followed. He, alone, is worthy to be the leader and teacher that will transform your heart to see everything anew. He, alone, is able to help us to see ourselves and the world around us from God's point of view. He, alone, can change our lives from the inside out.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The apostle Paul, who was once a performance driven zealot, would know better than most of us what it is like to lay down one's pursuit of "self" in order to begin walking one's life by following Jesus, himself.

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God is by faith." Phil 3:8-9

And,

"let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

******************************************************************************

Jesus was both messiah and servant. From the least of us to the greatest, no one is outside of the sphere of Christ's influence. No one deserves more to be followed and given allegiance to than Jesus, espe-

cially when he returns as king.

In his love, I'll see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love." (Seize the moment in love)