Some people find it naturally easier to lead; others prefer to follow. Whether we lead or follow, the question arises “Who is the leader here?” Without followers, a leader isn’t leading; without a leader it is difficult to know who to follow.
Lead and Follow
I introduced a practical exercise to a group of children learning worship dance. First a leader was chosen. Each child faced the leader and mimicked the lead dancer’s movements. After a couple of minutes the leader became a follower designating the next dancer as the new leader. Around the circle we went. Everyone had opportunity to lead; all attempted to follow.
Afterward I asked what was difficult about leading. These answers and more came in childlike honesty:
- “I was afraid no one would follow!”
- “What if others didn’t like what I was doing!”
- “Everyone was expecting me to come up with the ideas!”
Then I asked what was difficult about following.
- “I was moving in one direction and the leader went the other way!”
- “When I thought I had the leader figured out, she changed what she was doing!”
- “I never knew what the leader would do next!”
If we are honest, we too would acknowledge similar problems when leading and following.
A Leader who is Safe
Whether we articulate it or not, we want leaders who are safe and predictable!
Jacob had connived his brother out of his birthright and his blessing. Then, fearing for his life, he fled to the far side of the known world. God met him in his running.
In a dream, he saw angels ascending and descending a stairway to heaven.
” There above it stood the Lord, and he said:
“I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.
I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.”
Genesis 28:12-13
Needless to say, Jacob was disturbed by the dream. Frightened, he bargained with God:
“If God will be with me and will watch over me
on this journey I am taking
and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear
so that I return safely to my father’s household,
then the Lord will be my God…”
Genesis 28:20-22
If my thoughts and prayers were publicly exposed to scrutiny, they would appear just as self-centered. If God will be a safe God, a me-serving God, ensuring my comfort, provision, and care, then I will worship and follow Him.
Jacob wasn’t ready to give up the lead, until God proved He was good!
A Leader who is Present
How do you follow a leader you cannot see? That was Peter’s predicament!
Just a few short years prior, Peter made the choice to “leave all” and follow Christ, even when leaving meant passing up the greatest windfall catch he had ever seen.
“Then Jesus said to Simon,
“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
So they pulled their boats up on shore,
left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:10-11
Peter was a natural leader. For three years, his leadership training took him through unfamiliar territory of following Jesus. Just when he was beginning to get the hang of this following stuff, Jesus left. What does a follower do without a leader?
The most natural leadership Peter knew was from a fishing boat. He immediately diverted to old patterns. Three years of training appeared to fly out the window, or should I say jump overboard?
“Quack! Quack!” Thomas, Nathanael, James, and John, plus two other disciples joined the line of would-be-deserters and followed Peter’s lead. Like it or not, a leader is always leading — for better or worse!
Just like his last fishing excursion, Peter’s all-night fishing accomplished nothing. Then Someone on the shore suggested he try fishing in a new way,
“Throw your nets on the right side of the boat
and you will find some.”
John 21:6
The immense catch of fish revealed Jesus’ identity. Peter immediately jumped overboard and approached Jesus, leaving his would-be-followers alone in the boat.
Jesus challenges Peter’s devotion three times and then finishes with,
“Follow me!”
John 21:19
This unpredictable, unseen One is still asking and inviting one-time followers and would-be leaders to follow undeterred His lead. “Follow even when you can’t see Me. Out of heart of love, follow Me, leading others well!”
A Leader who is Predictable
I have always felt drawn by nature into secluded places. As a young girl, I chanced upon a herd of white-tailed deer. The buck sensed something alien hiding in the willow bush and advanced with nostrils flaring and antlers flinging dust in the air. I crouched breathless — unmoving! Though he could not see me clearly, he was wary. With one flick of his tail, the entire herd of thirty-or-so deer turned, springing effortless over fences and out of sight. My heart raced in the midst of unpredictable danger and wonder!
Following God often leaves me breathless in heart-racing uncertainty with a combined sense of danger and wonder!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
I want God predictable! But ask Job how predictable God is! Or maybe Joseph!
God, unpredictable? Yes! He seems unpredictable only because His ways and thoughts are brilliant and magnificent in every dimension.
While He is leading the way to jagged mountain peaks, I’m content frolicking in the plush meadow. I’m know I’m not alone! Others have been caught slip footed as He has leading them through flooded rivers, toward “invincible” armies, or into prisons and cave fortresses.
Lead And Follow
Following well has always been difficult for me. I echo the sentiments of my little dancers. It is uncomfortable to follow, when I’m not sure where, how or when God is about to move, change directions, or lead toward unfamiliar terrain.
I often sense God looking over His shoulder wondering if I will follow here… now… ever…
Though His ways are confusing, at the least, and perplexing more oft than not, I know I can (and should) trust His lead. Why? Because I know He is indescribably good. Where He leads is for my inevitable benefit, though perhaps lacking in personal comfort.
“Lead and Follow” is far more that a children’s activation exercise. I, too, am perpetually working on my step-by-step follow to my Father’s perfect lead. You see, to follow well requires complete surrender to another’s will and ways.
The only way I will grow as a leader is to ultimately become a faithful follower. It is wonderful paradox!
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More on leadership!
Leadership 101 – Take it from the Eagles
Moses – The Defining Qualities of a Great Leader