Devo Week 51

Follower-ship -- Faith in Action

The Kingdom of God has one King. In that sense, there is really only one leader -- Him. That perspective can help us keep things in order. Any other, and we are living and working out of step and in our own strength. A good follower can make a good leader, but a bad follower cannot.

Key Concept: Follow the Leader

The simple call to the disciples of Jesus was to 'follow Him.' Being His followers is what marks us as His disciples. Keeping this identity first can keep our priorities straight. Unfortunately, many leaders often usurp the leadership of God by using their own means. This especially shows in the way we live, our life decisions, goals and careers, and in how we treat others. This includes our relationships with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers — in the good times and bad, in our successes and failures.

As disciples of Jesus, following is the beginning requirement which continues until our life’s finish line. The Apostle Paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (II Tim. 4:7) And so, being a good follower marks the disciple of Christ. As we follow Him, our testimony and lives are watched by others. (II Cor. 3:2-3) It is by following Him among the least, the last and the lost that the glory of God will be spread among all nations.

Key Word Definitions:

1. Follower (noun)
-- an adherent or devotee of a particular person, cause, or activity
-- a person who moves or travels behind someone or something

2. Follower-ship (noun)

-- the art of listening and obeying Jesus

Excerpt from Devotional 51 with highlighted words:

"A ship of followers. That’s who sailed with Jesus to the other side. (Mark 3:7-12) Perhaps more than leadership, what’s needed most to reach other lands is follower-ship. Those who will follow Christ’s example, aboard by faith with sails set to the wind of the Holy Spirit."

Scripture: I Corinthians 11:1

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."