I remember getting into trouble in High School (ok, I got into trouble for the first 30 years of my life but who’s counting?).  My dad would often tell me that if I could not be a leader, I would be a follower of everyone else – something to that effect.  And, I was.  I did follow others, and it led me into trouble.  Much like any youth I struggled to fit in, and always felt awkward in my own skin.  Of course, that “follower” mindset led me into years of pain, darkness, and struggle.  I remember the rare teenager that made a stand about his or her faith, and even at time wanted to be like them.  I just didn’t make a stand: instead, I followed others.

I guess this wasn’t the worst part.  Eventually, while I was following the wrong people, other people began to follow me – right into the trouble I was getting into.  Not only was I following, but I was also leading.  Unfortunately, I was misleading people, and they were following me into misery.

Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, and made a stand.  In the opening pages of Matthew we are told about him standing strong against temptation, and succeeding where our first parents failed in the Garden.  Finally, someone makes a stand that we can all appreciate. Then, the very next thing Jesus does is to ask others to follow him.

Paul the Apostle will come along later and pen these words, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 11:1]

Everyone follows someone, and eventually, someone follows them.  Friends follows friends in high school, children follow parents in families, workers follow employers in the workplace.  Who will you follow?  More importantly, what impact will that have when others follow you?