because it says a lot about who you’ll become.
This thought keeps me on my toes. It haunts me because I know that who you decide to influence your life eventually leads to a life reflecting that person.
Before I go any further…I know that some will say, “I don’t follow any man, I follow Jesus.”
ok…I get it. But that’s not how things really work.
There are reasons why Paul said:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. – 1 Cor 11:1
Or other scriptures say things like:
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”-1 Cor 15:33
Not to start up a theological debate on the subject since the debate has been settled in the the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, but I do believe that who you follow will influence who you become, whether you like it or not.
Why is this important to me? Because I know that there are people who call me pastor…a title that I am honored by, but still amazed that God would allow me to be. I am amazed because I know that I am still a sinner saved by grace. And when I think about that, I pray that God would spare the people who choose to follow me/be mentored/coached/etc from the qualities of my life that continually needs God’s Spirit to refine. I pray they only see Him, and none of me.
Dear Lord,
Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take my self, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
Amen