Follow The Leader

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Have you ever played follow the leader? First, a leader is chosen. This person goes to the head of the line, and everyone else lines up behind her. The leader then moves around and does different actions, and the followers have to exactly copy the leader’s movements. If someone fails to do what the leader does, she’s out of the game. The last one in the game becomes the leader for the next game.

Sometimes you may follow the leader in real life, too. Have you ever repeated something another person said? Have you ever worn a certain kind of clothing because it looked good on a friend or a popular girl? Have you ever joined an activity because someone you admire joined it? Those are ways you might follow the leader.

You may also find yourself copying someone else’s actions or attitudes. This is good as long as you are following someone whose actions are pleasing to God. The apostle Paul told the believers at Corinth to follow him as he followed Jesus. He could say this to the believers because he was striving to be like Jesus in everything he did. He was a good example for others to imitate. When you’re imitating a leader who’s following the Lord, it may help you become stronger in your Christian walk and be more like Jesus.

Of course, the best person to imitate is Jesus himself, but sometimes it helps to have an example you can physically see to follow. How do you know whether or not to copy someone? It’s important that the person is openly following Jesus and that he or she acknowledges him as the leader. None of the person’s decisions or actions should go against something the Bible teaches. But even the best Christian makes mistakes, so make sure your eyes are on Jesus as your true leader.

It’s important to have your eyes on Jesus because God may choose you to be an example to someone. This person may be watching as you try to do the things Jesus wants you to do each day. Your good example may encourage him or her to follow the Lord too.

How can you know whether or not you should follow someone’s example? How can you be a good example for someone else to imitate? List three ways you can be a good example for someone else.