By CLYDE NORTHROP

The motto of the Officer Training Brigade At Fort Benning, Ga., where I entered active duty was “Follow Me!” A dozen years later I was in a brigade headquarters sandwiched in that narrow and short corridor between Seoul and what they called the DMZ or Demilitarized Zone intended to separate South and North Korea. Our little camp was nothing but steep hills and narrow valleys. Part of our physical training was to fast-walk that terrain up and down the steep hills all the way around the camp first thing in the morning. I was older than the others but wanted to keep up with their speed just to save face and show that their chaplain could do it. I was in no shape to lead the group, but found that following their leader was just what I needed to inspire me to keep up and make it around. It never became easy.

The Apostle Paul, while confined as a prisoner in Rome,  wrote “To God’s people who live in Colossae and are faithful followers of Christ.” (CEV) Paul had information that a misguided group of men in that church were seeking to take over the leadership role. Paul’s message to the Christians of Colossae was not just to “follow a leader.” He pointed them to Christ as the leader for their soul, life, actions and direction. Paul does not mince his words and wastes no time in getting to the point. All Christians are to follow Christ, their Leader. Those who are not Christians would do well to accept Jesus as Lord and Leader of their life. There are many leaders in this world today who would delight in leading you awa

y from God. Some of them are officials in high places.

 

Paul knew that Jesus would lead faithful believers in the way of love that leads directly to God. When you follow in the footsteps of Jesus you never have worry about losing your way or going astray.

 

Small children often enjoy putting on mother and daddy’s shoes, dressing up like them and following them.  If mom and dad are following in the footsteps of Jesus, then their children are headed in the right direction. You may just be the inspiration that keeps someone walking in God’s path. That is what Jesus is about, to lovingly lead you and me to God. His death for us on the cross made the impossible possible.

Mary Slade’s Hymn, “Footsteps of Jesus” begins with” “Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, come follow me!” During the hymn she writes of “Seeking His sheep” and “Helping the weak.” The chorus ends with “We will follow the steps of Jesus where e’re they go.”

Whom do you follow? How close do you follow?
Lord Jesus, please help us to follow you.