Recently, I ventured into a season of self-evaluation and did not like what I was seeing! Grumpiness. Bitterness. I was being judgmental and I was having bouts of anger.
I was having trouble focusing on what was going right. I was losing sleep over how I thought the world should be reacting to my plans. Honestly, I was having the adult equivalent to a toddler tantrum – proverbially stomping my feet, tensing my whole being, screaming at the perceived ‘injustice’ of things going on around me and girl – the meltdowns!
I had spent more time questioning – why me? and/or why not me?!? than praying to understand my role in His plan.
During a long weekend trip alone, I had some windshield time and many thoughts going through my mind. I had worship music playing, prayer time, and I was having a little talk with Jesus.
Somewhere in the midst of all that, a quote came to mind. I am sure you have heard it, but it kind of came out of left field for me on this day. Again, the quote is one that I am sure you have heard before.
Lead, follow or get out of the way.
And so, I started to quiz God about just that. Asking Him, ‘Lord, am I supposed to lead?‘ I spent some time thinking about that one and then asked, ‘or am I supposed to be quiet and follow? or am I supposed to get out of the way?’ It was a few minutes or miles, however you want to look at it, before I felt the answer – loud and clear.
Yes.
Then my thoughts trailed off to Romans 12:4-8. NLT
4. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5. so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
And then to Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
1.Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slow us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Lead, follow or get out of the way. It is not about being bossy or dismissing others. It is about recognizing that inaction or indecision can hinder God’s work. It is about using the gifts that He has given us to accomplish the work that He has set for us to do.
Sometimes God calls us to lead, to step forward and take initiative, not in a power seeking way, but in a way that is responding to a clear calling. It means having the courage to guide others, share the vision that God has placed on our hearts and to lead with humility and service – like JESUS. Leading in a Godly way means leading as a servant.
More often we are called to follow. Following, however, isn’t passive. Following is an active choice to align ourselves with God’s will and support those He has placed in leadership. It requires trust and obedience and a willingness to contribute our gifts to the collective effort. Following requires discernment to ensure the path we are following aligns with God’s word and will.
And there are times that we are hindering God’s progress. Whether it is my over arching Type A personality or lack of humility, I have to recognize when it is time to get myself out of His way and to shake off what is hindering His work.
God’s word give many many examples of leaders and followers. Jesus himself exemplified both leadership and submission. The concept of getting out of the way is not a negative when it is surrendering to God’s will.
That quote – Lead, follow or get out of the way – can be a powerful reminder to live with purpose, humility and a willingness to serve God and others.
In 2 Timothy 2: 3-4 Paul reminds Timothy to…
3. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
None of the ‘stuff’ that I endure means anything really. What matters is that what I am doing is pleasing to God using the gifts that He has given me to do just that. And what does He ask of me?
He has simply asked me to love Him and love others and to go, teach and make disciples.
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that there are times to lead, times to follow and times to get out of your way. My preconceived notions of what is the right way is not your way. Help me to recognize that sooner than later and forgive me for those attitudes that are far from gratitude. I love you, Lord. Thank you for loving me.
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