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Follow The Leader

In 1988, Robert Fulghum wrote a book called "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten." He also wrote a poem by the same name. The title is comical at first until you realise that some of the basic principles for a successful life (e.g. clean up your own mess, don't take things that aren't yours, share everything, etc.) are kindergarten lessons.

One of my favorite kindergarten rituals was when we had to line up to go to lunch or recess or anywhere, really. Remember how we used to have to line up in a straight line? The teacher's only instruction was to follow the line leader. And the line leader followed the teacher. If you did that, you wouldn't stray or get lost and you would end up where you were supposed to go.

As Christians, all we really need to know for a successful Christian walk is this same principle learned in kindergarten: follow the Leader. Obviously our Leader is Christ. If we follow Him, we won't go astray, we cannot get lost and we will make it to where we are supposed to go (ultimately, Heaven).

So why don't we simply do that at all times?

Temptations, for one. Regardless of what your area of weakness is, you will be tempted. Temptations are common to all human beings. We are encouraged not to yield to temptation, but it's not always so easy. And that is why it is all the more important to follow the Leader.

The author of Hebrews took great pains to in chapter 2 to explain who our Leader is. Christ is described as being made fully human, calling us "brethren" (see vv. 10-11). Ah, but the critical point is in v. 18 (KJV): "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." In other words, because Christ was tempted as a human being, He is able to strengthen those who are tempted.

Have you ever found yourself going through a difficult time, needing someone to talk to? And not just anyone, but someone who has been through a similar if not the same circumstance. That happens because we feel that only someone who has gone through a similar situation can understand the enormity and severity of it.

How amazing it is then that we have a Leader like Jesus, who set aside splendor and immortality to take on human form, subjected Himself to human temptations and struggles and overcame them! He lets us know that resisting temptation is possible because He did it. Not as God, but as mortal man. He truly is the example we ought to follow.

Overcoming temptations boils down to a simple kindergarten lesson: follow the Leader and you won't go astray.
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  1. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Great Job Josie! I trully anjoyed this read, and will look forward to more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Josie JamesSeptember 3, 2012 at 10:02 PM

      Thanks Marsha Lee. To God be the glory! I am trying to do better and post more regularly.

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