The Following Leader
Written 02/07/2021
Many of us aspire to lead—to be the one others look up to and follow. But not everyone shares that desire. Some find peace and purpose in following, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
From a young age, we’re often taught to be leaders, not followers—to be “above only and not beneath.” But does following really mean you're beneath? I’ve come to learn that the greatest leaders are, in fact, the best followers.
When I think of wise individuals, I believe their wisdom is born from life experiences. They use what they’ve been through as a foundation, a guide. So I ask: what is your foundation? What is guiding you?
We often want to lead without first learning how to follow. But how can we know we’re leading the right way without ever having followed? Before calling us to lead, God calls us to follow—not just anyone, but Him, the ultimate and perfect leader. When we learn to follow Him consistently and faithfully, the chances of leading others astray become slim.
Here’s what I take from that: you will never be just a leader. Instead, you become a "following leader." Being in a position of leadership doesn’t mean your responsibility to follow ends—far from it. In fact, the more people look to you for direction, the more vital it is that you continue walking closely behind Christ. We are, and always will be, Christ-followers.
There’s often a negative connotation attached to being a follower, which is ironic because God calls us to be just that. We are called to lead others toward His light—and that begins with us following Him.
This is something I hope to teach my children one day: it’s okay to be a follower—as long as you’re following someone appointed and equipped by God. I say appointed and equipped because while there are many kind and admirable people in this world, not all walk in alignment with God’s path. And no matter how well-meaning they are, they can unknowingly lead you away from His purpose for your life.
At the same time, it’s crucial to think for yourself and seek God personally. I believe God desires each of us to be a spiritual leader to someone in our lifetime. There are so many lost souls in the world, and it is our calling to help guide them toward salvation. That calling makes each of us both a leader and a follower.
Now, your journey to Jesus doesn’t require you to find a “following leader” first. God wants you to come directly to Him—He is always your first source. However, He has also placed individuals in your life who can help you grow spiritually. He loves when we come together in fellowship and build one another up. Don’t be afraid to walk “The Good Walk” with others who are striving toward the same goal.
The beauty of this walk is that we all have something to learn, no matter where we are in our faith. A seasoned Christ-follower can learn just as much from a new believer as the other way around. Sometimes, those new in faith carry the vibrant, unshakable “mustard seed” faith that seasoned believers may have let fade. They remind us of where we started and the pure faith we must hold onto, regardless of life’s trials.
To the followers: don’t be ashamed. God sees you, and He is proud of you.
To the leaders: don’t become complacent. God wants you to continue growing in Him.
He has a beautiful, unique plan for every one of us.
