Who Am I Following?

This morning as I hurried up the escalator, hoping to reach the train platform before the train doors closed; I realized that I was watching the feet of the people ahead of me.  I was trying to keep my steps in sync with theirs, trusting their rhythm to get me where I needed to be, when I needed to be there. 

Now, I knew they were rushing to catch the same train I wanted to catch.  There is only one train that departs from my starting point, so following these folks will get me going where I need to be – this time.  But what about the times I am somewhere else?  How often have I rushed to catch up to folks, only to discover that the train or bus they were running for was headed in a direction I did not want to go?

This got me thinking about all of the years I spent following different people in one sort of relationship or another; only to find out that we had different destinations in mind?  I am so grateful that the things that could have lead to physical and emotional damage were stopped before I truly fell.  My whole life could have taken a path that kept me from knowing the Lord.  I could have missed finding true salvation,  indescribable joy and the promise of eternity.  I could have lived not knowing the love of the One Who Loves Me Best!

How many of the people around us are one step of faith away from their next and greatest victory?  Have the misguided or misunderstood words of a well-meaning teacher kept them from really understanding the enormity of God’s love?  Hurt feelings and the rejection of those who said, “I love you.” created issues that many are just beginning to recognize.

“These are the people who divide you, who follow

 mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, 

by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  

Jude 1:19-21  NIV

Sometimes it is hard to have to step off the well-worn path that takes us to the popular places.  I want to know what folks are talking about in the break room at work. Or even some family members who have bonded over books, movies or TV. shows that I know would not be good for me.  So I do my best to seek out those who will allow me to share in activities that will keep my perspective from going too far from the one that follows God’s expectations for me.

I also need to work on listening more to the source of the message and not becoming dazzled by the person who is the messenger.  God’s Word is truth for each of us.  Listening to, reading and studying  His instructions more and more will draw us forward so we can prepare for what comes next.

“Whoever serves me must follow me;

 and where I am, my servant also will be. 

My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  

John 12:26  NIV

Thank you, Father God, for giving me the Holy Spirit, who helps me find my way every day.  I would be lost in a ditch, if I did not have this gift.  Please help me remain humbled, so I do not ever believe that the good I do is about me.  I want today to be one that uses each of us to show the world how very much You love to love Your children.  I am choosing to follow You, in gratitude for all that You have given me.  I thank and praise You.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen!

Written by

Lynda Kinnard