Either Lead, Follow or Get Out the Way!

Either Lead, Follow or Get Out the Way!

James 1:8 (KJV)

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Hey Blog Friends!

What y’all doing on this fabulous day?

I pray your day has been exactly what you hoped it would be—and even better!

As for me, today has been absolutely wonderful. Matter of fact, let me tell you what kind of day I’ve had…

• Walking in God’s Favor

• Grace-Filled Day

• Blessed Beyond Measure

• Covered in Grace

• Walking by Faith

• Overflowing with Joy

• Daily Mercies

• A Day of Victory

• Rejoice & Be Glad

Now that’s the kind of day I like!

I pray your day has been just as amazing—or greater. And I do mean greater!

Today I had a drive that seemed to take forever, but when I finally arrived at my destination, I was absolutely flabbergasted by what I saw…

REST!

Not the kind of rest where you’re still checking emails or answering phone calls. I mean the kind of rest where you can kick your feet up, breathe, laugh, step outside, enjoy the sunshine, and simply exist without thinking about work, deadlines, traffic, or people pulling on your time.

Have you ever had one of those days where you wished you could do absolutely anything you wanted?

I have.

Sometimes I grow tired of the hustle and bustle of life.

Sometimes we simply need to slow down and smell the roses. 🌹

There’s nothing wrong with letting the sun warm your face.

There’s nothing wrong with laughing until your stomach hurts—even if no one else understands why it’s funny.

There’s nothing wrong with walking in the rain to your favorite coffee shop, because you never know who God might allow you to meet.

There’s nothing wrong with eating ice cream before breakfast every once in a while… simply because you can!

Life is a gift.

Enjoy it while God has given you the opportunity.

As I reflected on all of this today, one thought kept coming to my heart…

Life is too short to stand in the middle of the road.

Too many people live there.

Not fully committed.

Not fully surrendered.

Not fully following.

Not fully leading.

Just… standing there.

Eventually, when you stand in the middle of the road long enough, you become an obstacle to everyone else who is trying to move forward.

And that’s exactly where today’s topic comes from…

Either Lead, Follow or Get Out the Way!

I know…

I know…

That’s a bold statement.

Maybe even a little harsh.

But sometimes the truth requires boldness.

The Bible tells us:

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” — James 1:8

We’ve all heard sermons about being double-minded.

But what does that really mean?

A double-minded person is someone whose heart is divided.

They’re torn between trusting God and trusting themselves.

One foot is planted in faith while the other remains planted in fear.

One day they’re obedient.

The next day they’re hesitant.

One day they’re committed.

The next day they’re uncertain.

Their loyalty is divided instead of being fully devoted to God.

That’s why James says they’re unstable.

Indecision doesn’t just affect you…

It affects everyone watching you.

That’s why I say…

Either lead…

Follow…

Or get out of the way.

Because being stuck in the middle confuses people.

And confusion has never been God’s design.

Now don’t misunderstand me.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a follower.

Matter of fact…

Every great leader first learned how to follow.

What Does It Mean To Be A Follower?

Being a follower in the biblical sense does not mean you’re weak.

It doesn’t mean you lack vision.

It doesn’t mean you’re simply copying someone else.

It means you have enough humility to learn from someone whose life points you closer to Christ.

A godly follower:

• Chooses truth over deception.

• Learns from godly mentors.

• Walks in humility.

• Is teachable.

• Supports and serves with the right heart.

• Ultimately follows Jesus Christ above everyone else.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

Notice Paul wasn’t asking people to worship him.

He was saying…

“As I follow Christ… follow my example.”

That’s powerful.

Here’s another truth…

Before God calls many people to lead…

He first teaches them how to follow.

Moses followed God’s instructions.

Joshua followed Moses.

Elisha followed Elijah.

The disciples followed Jesus.

Their faithfulness as followers prepared them to become extraordinary leaders.

So never despise the season of following.

That’s where character is built.

That’s where wisdom is developed.

That’s where pride is broken.

Following isn’t about being behind someone.

It’s about being aligned with God’s direction.

The greatest leaders in God’s Kingdom are first faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader?

Jesus completely changed the world’s definition of leadership.

In God’s Kingdom…

The greatest leaders are the greatest servants.

A leader isn’t simply the loudest voice in the room.

A leader isn’t the person with the biggest title.

A leader is someone who influences, guides, and serves others according to God’s will.

A godly leader…

• Leads people toward truth.

• Serves instead of seeking to be served.

• Accepts responsibility.

• Makes decisions with wisdom, humility, and integrity.

• Inspires people by example.

Leadership isn’t about standing in front of people.

It’s about standing before God.

A true leader doesn’t constantly ask,

“How many people are following me?”

Instead they ask,

“Am I faithfully following Christ?”

Because when you faithfully follow Jesus…

Your life naturally becomes an example others can trust.

Why I Say…

Lead… Follow… or Get Out the Way

I’m not saying one role is greater than the other.

Both are equally important.

Without followers…

There are no leaders.

Without leaders…

Followers have nowhere to grow.

The problem isn’t leading.

The problem isn’t following.

The problem is refusing to commit to either.

One thing we never want to do is become a stumbling block for those coming behind us.

Because here’s the reality…

Someone is watching you do whatever you’re doing—whether you’re leading or following.

Think about that.

Someone is watching…

How you respond under pressure.

How you treat people.

Your integrity.

Your work ethic.

Your attitude.

Your worship.

Your forgiveness.

Your faith.

How you handle disappointment.

How you celebrate success.

How you make decisions.

Character isn’t revealed only on the platform.

Character is revealed in ordinary moments.

If you’re leading…

People are asking,

“Can I trust their example?”

“Is this how a godly leader responds?”

If you’re following…

People are watching to see…

Are you teachable?

Do you honor authority?

Are you faithful when nobody notices?

Do you support the vision or create division?

Today’s faithful follower often becomes tomorrow’s trusted leader.

Jesus said,

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Our lives are meant to point people toward Christ.

AHA MOMENT

Life isn’t a spectator sport.

God never intended for us to spend our lives standing on the sidelines while everyone else moves forward.

There will be seasons when He calls you to follow so your character can be developed.

There will be seasons when He calls you to lead because your faithfulness has been proven.

Both seasons are honorable.

Neither is greater than the other.

But whichever season you’re in…

Embrace it wholeheartedly.

Remember…

Someone is watching.

They’re watching how you love.

How you forgive.

How you serve.

How you worship.

How you persevere.

How you trust God when life doesn’t make sense.

You may never know whose faith is growing simply because they watched yours.

So don’t live divided.

Don’t be double-minded.

Don’t stand in the middle of the road holding up God’s traffic.

If He’s called you to lead…

Lead well.

If He’s called you to follow…

Follow faithfully.

And if you’re doing neither…

Don’t become a hindrance to those who are answering God’s call.

Because influence isn’t determined by your title.

It’s determined by your testimony.

Either lead.

Or follow.

But whatever you do… make sure your life points people to Jesus Christ.

Until your next Aha Moment,

Lauretta Scott

Founder | iPublishub-Books

Publishing with Purpose & Faith