Who Are You Following?

S. I. McMillen once told a story of a young woman who was applying to colleges. While working on the application, her heart sank when she read the question, “Are you a leader?” Being both honest and conscientious, she answered, “No, I am not.” She returned the application, expecting the worst. However, much to her surprise, she received this response from the college: “Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower.”

On reflection, the truth is we are all following someone. We all have people we admired and emulate – some living and some no longer with us. Whether we realize it or not, our beliefs and actions are deeply shaped by other people. The real question is, who are we following?

I hope you have people in your life worthy of emulation. I also hope you don’t blindly follow just anyone.  As Christian we try our best to follow Jesus – to live in the most loving, generous, forgiving way possible. Of course that is not always easy – but when we succeed, it is rich!

Our prayer today was written by my friend, the late Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel. Let us pray: God of love, give us open minds and hearts and complete trust in your plan for our lives. Show us who we are and who you would have us become. Lead us in the way you would have us go, and as we walk a path we cannot see, give us light and the warmth of each other’s hands as together we seek your will. In Jesus name. Amen.