I have thought about the relationship between leading and following and have even read books related to the subject of both. I know that leading, as mentioned in other of my studies is that of inspiration. Following therefore is that of being inspired. And when looked at in this instance, I can see the harmony that is found in the two.
“6The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6 (ESV)
I was led to this above passage this morning in my study of the word “lead” and what I found was the essence of the harmony between leading and following. The fierce animals described, the leopard and lion, are able to lie next to the prey they would normally be going after. They are lying not in fear or in wait, but together in concert and harmony. They are able to co-exist without going against one another. And to top things off, a child will lead them. Another of the prey to those that would be predators in the world. This group will follow the one sent to lead as they work together.
I like to believe that I will follow leaders regardless of who they are or what the situation will be. The thing that drives that is the idea of leader in the true sense of the word as I have described. I will follow those that inspire me. I will run through the brick wall that they ask me to when I believe that what is on the other side is truly that of great value, and that will only be manifest when I believe in the leader before me. I will do the work of a manager as a part of the job I have been tasked with, but will not be harmonious with them as I will only be performing a job without inspiration.
It is that harmony of leader and follower that makes the work effective, efficient, and worthwhile. I am looking for that instance when I am lead to complete work and in those I will follow. God is that leader and for Him I will follow in harmony.
What is your thought on leading and following? Are you currently inspired to do work as a follower? What if you were to follow God and His leadership example, what harmony would you find there?
Trevor's Thoughts 