Invite Followers

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20

If anyone has a right to force his or her leadership ideas on others, it is Jesus.

I am struck by the patience he displays by simply standing at the door and knocking. He doesn’t huff and puff and threaten to blow the house down.

He doesn’t rattle the handle, shout, or demand to be let inside.

From the famous painting of Christ at Heart’s Door by Warner Sallman, I get the sense that Jesus would prefer his host come to the door freely and without obligation.

You should lead in a similar manner. People who are coerced or otherwise obligated follow reluctantly and are more likely to abandon the cause if something else catches their fancy. If they stay, they do so halfheartedly, and you’ll waste time keeping them motivated.

Do people follow you out of obligation or aspiration?