Follow the Leader
With school back in session it’s fun to see kids out on the playgrounds free-playing, chasing, laughing, talking, and just being kids. The other day as I rode my bike by our neighborhood elementary, I stopped to watch a group of children playing “follow the leader” or something like it. One kid led and the others imitated his funny walk, then another took over.
It seems we never tire of this game, even as adults.
Sociologists have documented that we tend to agree with and emulate those with whom we spend time and those we admire. That’s a no-brainer. Every parent warned their kids to choose friends carefully so as not to go down wrong roads. Proverbs 24 agrees with this with the warning,
Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.
But it sure looks like the mockers and those cruel with words and actions enjoy success in this world, from national leaders to local influencers. Following their examples might lead us to think we, too, will get ahead, but the whole book of Psalms begins with an alternative view.
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
“Follow the Leader” is still a game played every day even though we might believe we can create our own identity and truths through our choices. But consider how much of what you hold to is driven by the community you listen to the most. Every person will take on the flavor of the marinade in which they soak.
I was reminded of this back in September. I was with a group of old dudes for a weekend retreat of sorts. We invested the hours challenging one another to finish strong since we are all in our 4th quarter. Talking with a friend of 50 years, we concluded we were rich. Surrounded by good men who hold one another accountable to be the best versions of ourselves, we choose to follow our Leader, Jesus, and adopt his ethic as our own, and do it together.
It’s worth the time to take a self-survey as to who you follow. How much is your news feed or social media or friend group building you up in what matters, or tearing you away from what you know to be true? Imagine it as a stream whose current is moving you quietly, sometimes without notice, in one direction or another.
A close friend who does leadership consulting has, as one of his primary themes this year, that of self-awareness. Most leaders, and most everyone, just go along without much time invested in seeing if their direction is worthwhile. Being self-aware enough to see to what end you are being carried looks like real maturity.
The influence of input cannot be underestimated. One commentator says this about the verse noted above in Proverbs 24.
The question of individual identity is always also a question of community, from family and church, school and business, all the way up to nation and state. Communities create the paths we walk.
That’s a great line, “Communities create the paths we walk.”
Several places in the Book, believers are challenged to “encourage one another” or “spur each other on” in faith and life. Once again, a good reminder is that we are not in this faith life alone. We are meant to walk together toward living more like we know our design to be. That’s not to be interpreted as me being the judge of your actions, rather as a fellow-struggler doing life with a friend, keeping each other on track.
So, I’m trying to be a bit more aware of how my thinking is influenced by my information diet, because I, like you, really do want to follow the Leader…all the way home.
Let’s go play!
Music for the week is good
Funnies for the win…
The other day it was my turn to prepare dinner, so I asked Claudia to go over to the local market and buy some organic vegetables. She came back rather upset.
When I asked her what was wrong she said, "I don't think I like that produce guy. I went and looked around for your organic vegetables, and I couldn't find any. I asked him where the organic vegetables were. He didn't know what I was talking about."
"So I said, 'These vegetables are for my husband. Have they been sprayed with any poisonous chemicals?' He said, 'No, ma'am. You'll have to do that yourself.'"
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The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could you do this to me?!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
(something to think about the next time your hut burns down…)