Follow The Leader

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

Who first told you about Jesus? From whom have you learned a lot about Him along the way? “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith”(Heb. 13:7). Think about the people who have helped you grow in knowing God. Reflect on how they have lived and how they have handled the happenings of their lives—the trials, the triumphs, and the failures. You’re not looking for perfection but reality—the reality of God’s grace and God’s love. Ministers mess up, pastors make mistakes, and teachers stumble and struggle, but a heart set on seeking God always heads back home.

“Consider the outcome of their way of life.” What have been the results of their trust in God? Have others been encouraged? Instructed? Inspired? Have they themselves had peace in the storms? Joy in the junk? Perseverance through the problems? And excitement about the ordinary? Think about how they have dealt with success, with routine, and with sickness, and reflect on their actions and attitudes.

Then “imitate their faith.” Since they believed God was good even when things were bad, do the same. Since they cried out in confession and repentance when they sinned, do the same. Since they stood for the truth, shared with the needy, and knelt for the hurting, do the same. Live their example, and follow them as they have followed Christ(1 Cor. 11:1).

Thanks, Mom and Dad, Clete and Nelda, Larry and Nancy, Tracy, Bro. Al, Ray S., Ray C., Drew, and many others. I am blessed to have been led by you to love Jesus more, know Him better, and see Him bigger.

Remember those who have helped you love Jesus.
Consider how they have lived.
Copy what they have done.

And if you still can, say thanks.