FOLLOWERSHIP: SUBMITTING TO AUTHORITY

“Follow me,” Jesus said. Peter looked at Jesus’ gaze and paused. He had a decision to make. If he followed Jesus, he would leave what he knew. Familiar routines, skills, expectations, and friendships would all change. If he stayed, he would never know where Jesus would lead him.

Follow me.

In this context, following doesn’t seem so bad. Who wouldn’t want to follow Jesus if He issued a personal invitation? But being a follower of Christ also means following those He puts in authority over us, and let’s be honest—they are not Jesus, at least not in the way we expect.

Mary Slessor, a single missionary to the jungles of Nigeria in the 1800s, asked permission to marry a fellow worker from another station. Her superiors denied her request, stating that both workers were needed in their respective areas. Mary accepted their decision and continued her work for the rest of her life alone. Unfair? But didn’t they understand how lonely she was? How dangerous it could be for a female?

As a result of her years of labor, a tribe of cannibals stopped eating their visitors, no longer killed twin babies, became believers in Jesus, and elevated her to a magistrate level within their community.

Like Peter, she had a choice. “Follow me,” Jesus said. Follow Me into dark, insect-infested jungles. Follow Me to people who proudly invoke the very powers of hell. Follow Me when decisions are made that you don’t understand. Follow Me when leaders are imperfect, sometimes cranky and inconsistent, and demonstrate My grace and mercy in their lives. Follow Me when I ask you to submit to authority as I submitted to the cross.

Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” He also said, “You reap what you sow.” Sow a good following, and you will reap good followers. Good followers lead other followers by example from a submitted heart and an understanding that all authority comes from God.

Romans 13:1–2 declares: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

Sometimes we follow well, and at other times do not. We become frustrated, annoyed, and even angry when following doesn’t turn out as we had hoped. Grandiose's ideas of “well, if I were leading” or “if only he would” begin to form, and soon following becomes a waiting pattern for usurping. Jesus never said, “Usurp power.” He said, “Follow me.” Did He know how fallible His church leaders would be? Yes, all too well. But He also knew that the power of the Holy Spirit would provide everything necessary to live well, lead well, and follow well. Our responsibility is to allow time in our day to receive the equipping.

Follow me.

LIVE DEAD CHALLENGE

Most leaders know when their followers are unhappy, but have they heard from followers committed to serving, loving, and extending grace? Write down the names of those who are in authority over you. Plan a time to call, write, or meet them. Affirm in your conversation that you appreciate their leadership, are committed to helping them, and will be loyal in spirit and deed. Pray for them daily and ask the Lord to give you a heart that follows well.

UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP: UGANDAN NUBIANS

The Nubians are the one tribe in Uganda that is nearly 100 percent Islamic. Nubian men are remembered for their infamous role as leaders and soldiers in Idi Amin’s army, and the women are more admirably noted for their skillful weaving. Whenever you see a woven basket, pray for the Nubians of Uganda. Centuries ago, the forefathers of the Nubians were followers of Christ. Tragically, this is now true of less than one percent of the 15,000 Nubians living in Uganda.