Lesson Three • Grow
John Stone
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Philippians 3:17
Many years ago, my wife and I were hiking up our favorite trail in the mountains of Colorado. It was a typical late fall day with clear sunny skies and a few inches of fresh snow on the ground. We were the first ones up the trail that morning and had the privilege of making fresh tracks. We had hiked this particular trail many times and knew the route despite not being able to see the ground. At one point, we came to a creek in a meadow and took a minute to scout the safest place to cross. As we were tracing the edge of the water a pair of hikers came up from behind and the man asked a question I will never forget, “Did you see where those tracks went?” Momentarily confused, then humorously realizing what he meant, I gestured to the snow behind me, “Those are my tracks you have been following.”
We are all leaders. Whether we recognize it or not, people are watching and following our example: children, other believers, coworkers, family members, and social media followers. You may say, “But, I do not feel like a leader. I am not qualified. I do not know enough. Maybe someday I will be ready, but not yet.” Whether you are ready or not, it is already happening. As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ; growing in our resemblance to Him day by day. We are guided along by believers who have been on the trail before us (1 Corinthians 11:1), or we are misled by wanderers (Matthew 24:4).
Also, there are those who are on the trail behind us. Are you preparing to lead them? Do you know where you are going or are you walking blindly? Are you leading people into the ditch or to the Savior? Our calling as Christians is high, but He has provided all we need in order to be equipped for life and leadership (2 Timothy 3:17). We have the Word (Psalm 119:34-35), the Spirit (John 16:13), access to the Father through prayer for wisdom and strength (Hebrews 4:16; James 1:5), and guides to help us (Ephesians 4:11).
We need to be mindful of these things. Where are we headed? Who are we following and are they leading us in the right direction? How do we exemplify Christ as we lead others? The answers to all our questions can be found in the Word of God. Read it every day. Study it like your life depends on it. It is the trail map that leads us to Christ.