Follow the Leader

In first grade, my teacher picked a leader for our class each day. The leader’s primary job consisted of taking the daily collection of lunch money to the school office. Additionally, the leader had the chance to select a classmate to join them on the trip to the office. We six-year-olds felt important marching the large envelope of coins and bills to the secretary who sat behind her desk, keeping the school running. Once my friend, who I’ll call Daniel, chose me as his lunch money buddy on his day to serve as class leader. We delivered the funds and began our walk back to the first-grade hall. But Daniel took a detour. I followed. Then he knocked loudly on another teacher’s door before skipping away. I stood alone at the door, confused and practically paralyzed. When the teacher opened her door, she scolded me and then turned away. I stumbled down the hall, rejoining Daniel and entering our own classroom. I don’t believe my friend’s intention that day was to get me in trouble. But his actions did lead to my embarrassment and a tongue-lashing from a teacher. Without knowing where Daniel was leading, I followed. It’s a mistake I wish I hadn’t made. While human leaders often disappoint us, God is always a trustworthy leader. When we put our trust in Jesus, the Son of God, for the forgiveness of our sins, we begin a relationship with Him, and He places His Spirit in us. The Spirit of God desires to lead us in decisions big and small. God realizes that we don’t do a good job of leading ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t know what to do, where to go—and sometimes, we follow the wrong leaders. When we look to God for wisdom and understanding, He will faithfully guide us. Our good Father wants to direct us down His good paths. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time you followed someone and later regretted it? • Are you facing any decisions that seem overwhelming? How might God be inviting you to follow His guidance? Who is a trusted Christian you could talk to about this? He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 25:9 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Romans 8:14; Psalm 25:1-Psalm 25:11