Even the Line Leader Must Follow His Lead

You should never forget some of the lessons that you learn as a kid.

Do you remember back in the day when you were in school and you had to line up to go from class to class? Remember how everyone would rush to the line to be line leader? Man, those were the days. We were all going the same place and at the same time but it just felt good to be the line leader. As the line leader you are the first person to see the road ahead. You're the first person to see any challenges that might come to the class like other lines, trash cans in the way, and any other thing. Yes, you are the head visionary for your class.

But don't forget the teacher.

Your teacher was the one who walked side by side with you as you lead the rest of the class to your destination. Sure you may have known WHERE you are going but your teacher knew the where, why, how, and all those other things. The teacher is there to let the line have it's [disciplined] freedom in terms of getting to the destination but she also made sure no one stepped out of line.

Especially the leader.

When you are a leader, whether that be in a school line, at work, in a relationship, or just life in general, you have to remember the Teacher/Line Leader relationship. God allows us to lead in our lives but he also has very specific instructions on how to get to your destination and you have to follow his lead:

Visionary Direction/Focus:  The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That tells you your focus. This is the "big picture" goal which is to first of all walk in a direction that leads towards Him.

Discipline: The Bible also says in John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This instills the discipline needed to get to your destination. We must walk with Jesus in a Teacher/Line Leader relationship. The ONLY way you're going to get where you're supposed to go is by submission to the direction of the Teacher.

Timing/Restraint: This is where I've personally fell quite a few times. And yes I was the kid in school who got detention or a red star for not wanting to wait on the rest of the class LOL!...But yeah back to the lesson. God shares with us in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." People, you HAVE to wait on God. He appointed you as line leader so what He shows you in glimpses and faith can and will come true but the caveat is that you have to wait on Him to lead you there. You remember how the teacher would yell at you for moving too fast? (Maybe that was just me, ha!) When you go too fast you begin to lose your direction. You lose the ability to progressively learn what it takes to fully appreciate and fully be able to handle the end result. Never rush past the speed God is moving because HE knows the plans. And they are all for your good.

I hope you remember that as you walk through life you may feel like the leader but you have to remember that the Teacher still has control and is guiding you. Focus, Discipline, and Restraint are the tools God instills in us to help carry out his vision for our lives. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything else.

Time for me to hop back in line...

JVP