David Wheeler tells of a funeral procession that illustrates a leader’s influence. David officiated at a funeral. In accordance with custom, after the funeral, the attenders filed out of the funeral home and into their waiting cars to form a processional to the cemetery. The hearse led the processional, followed immediately by David the preacher, then all the deceased’s family and friends. During the drive to the cemetery David needed to stop at a restroom. He could not wait much longer, and, even if he did try to wait, few cemeteries have public restrooms available. So, as the processional came upon an old, abandoned roadside picnic area that included an outhouse, David veered into the picnic area to use the outhouse. He assumed the remainder of the processional would follow the hearse to the cemetery, then he would catch up. He assumed incorrectly. When he emerged from the outhouse, he discovered the long line of cars patiently waiting!
People follow leaders. We must ask before placing people, where will this person lead? Will he lead me to the Cross or to an outhouse?
Philippians 3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Knowingly or unknowingly most of us model our lives on one or the other person’s life. It can be the way we talk, do things, the way we think, our understanding and decisions. Such is the impact one has over those in the influence area. My mother has on several occasions reminded me that as a teenager I was crazy about a Youth leader and was very influenced by his life and ministry.
God has helped me observe several men and women of God who have taught me one or the other thing. It has surely helped me learn a lot of things and I continue to be impacted by many.
It is so important that we find the right kind of examples in front of us. Apostle Paul makes it clear from his life and ministry that, look for people who are really passionate about God and are concerned. Sadly we often take our advices from those, who might not know God and His love. On other occasions we go to people who neither have a burden for us nor have anything to do with the consequences of the decision. Let us be able to have the right kind of example before us so even we can become a good example.
Stanley Thomas Isac
Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Pastorstanleytisac@gmail.com
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