Recently, back from a trip, I left the plane with a determined step to quickly head towards the exit in a hurry to get home and be able to fully enjoy the day in Paris because the next day I was taking my pilgrim's staff again and this time for a fairly long stay. There were a few people in front of me and I followed them. All of a sudden the path we were following stopped at the entrance to the toilets, no other path seemed to lead to the exit; I stopped, perplexed, wondering how I could have ended up there. At the same time, noticing my perplexity, those behind me who were following me also stopped dead in their tracks and for a few seconds there followed a common, though silent, cogitation, each one visibly wondering where the exit was, looking here and there. We couldn't have taken the wrong path! Alas, we were indeed mistaken, and we quickly realized this when we saw the right direction that we had inadvertently left.
In a few moments we had managed not only to stray from the right path but also to lose our lead over those who were behind us and who, not having followed us, quickly overtook us. But how? How could we have gotten lost so easily? The answer couldn't be simpler: we followed other people who were going to a place we didn't intend to go. We didn't think about it; we simply assumed that our destination was the same. The result: surprise, we were lost, but not for them; they were right where they wanted to go. And starting from there, and this time I was careful to take the right direction, I couldn't help but meditate on an anecdote that is in itself quite harmless and banal, but which is a powerful illustration of something much more important in our lives.
To reach the right port, you have to follow the right people. Let me explain.
This is because on the path of life, we do not walk alone. Some walk beside us, others in front of us because we have chosen to follow them. We therefore take the same path as them, which will lead us to a specific destination. This means that our life, what we manage to accomplish, is conditioned by those to whom we attach ourselves as mentors, leaders, those we decide to follow. The choice must therefore be considered and taken seriously. A few questions are necessary. What is my destination? Who are the people I follow, where are they going? Who chose this destination and why? Why did I decide to follow such and such a person, for their kindness, or because they have a clear and precise destination to which I adhere?
Question: What is my destination?
Every life created by God has a destination and a destiny on earth. Looking at the Scriptures we discover characters with a clear direction and a precise destination. Jeremiah, David, Abraham, not to mention Paul, Peter or Mary. Each had a goal, a direction, a mission, a destination. The same goes for you, you have a destination; and the people you follow will either take you there or take you away from it. Now for those who will say 'I'm not interested in those things, for me real life is a good job, a nice house, movie weekends with friends, and avoiding as much trouble as possible' move on, no need to be difficult, follow whoever you want, however, still avoid criminal profiles.
Now, if you are one of those who want it, those who want to make a difference in their generation, you must know your destination and carefully choose those with whom you will make the journey. We do not find ourselves by chance being influenced by the first person who comes along, following other people and making them a leader, a mentor, a church, a pastor. All will play a fundamental role in your journey. These relationships must bear the seal of God because what God has placed in you has value; where will it be developed, and taken to the next level?
Question: What is the destination of those you follow?
We know the principle, you will find yourself in the same place as those you followed. So it is important to know where they are going. In other words, prioritize the principle over the emotion. The emotion is: the music is superb in this church, the welcome is wonderful, they look beautiful on the platform (yes, it exists). The principle is: what is the vision of this congregation, where do they want to go? What is their destination? The principle is: he is someone disciplined, a man of integrity, the emotion: he and his wife are cute, ah, I love his voice, he is funny. Emotion cannot be reproduced in us, the principle can. That is what leads to the destination. Look at David's valiant men; previously a band of scoundrels, recruits from society, all gathered around David. In the end, valiant men, powerful, faithful and serious warriors; men without great prospects transformed into giant-killers. The principle was reproduced in them; the one they followed was himself a giant-slayer and a mighty warrior. From shame they rose to glory, from the lower depths of society to the palace, a path identical to the one they chose to follow.
Question: Who determines the destination?
First and foremost, God. Jeremiah, David, Mary—each had a destination planned by God and discovered it. Then comes the mission, and always God. Paul received from God upon his conversion and on several occasions during his ministry the destination that his life and mission should take, and he followed it. Others joined him and followed him. When you follow someone, they must have a personal destination and, for the mission, a destination received from God. Following him means seeing in him a visionary, a leader. Therefore, who determines the destination?
Second, the leader or leaders—in a business, the managers; in a family, the parents; in a church, the pastors, those who have the responsibility to lead. Many of the dissensions in groups—family, business, church—would be quickly resolved if we understood this principle. I cannot impose a destination on someone I am supposed to follow. If I have made the choice to follow, it is because I recognize their preeminence and authority to lead me, and in the case of a spiritual or moral leader, I recognize their moral and spiritual integrity. To operate otherwise is a usurpation of authority. Three questions, three fundamental answers for our lives. All these thoughts overlapped in my head as I headed for the exit. Where am I going? Who am I?
Where are you today?
Your current position is a reflection of the direction you've been headed and the influence of those you've allowed to lead you. Why allow? Because many people theoretically have leaders, but they don't follow them or accept their contribution to their lives. If you don't like where you are, ask yourself who you've been following—yourself, your sister-in-law, or your leader? Then you either need to change your attitude, or you need to change your leader, or both. The greatest leaders in the world can't help you if you don't decide to cooperate with them.
Likewise, you don't give the right to lead you to just anyone. There are people who are eminently nice, but you should definitely not follow them. Some will make you mouth-wateringly delicious meals, but they don't understand your destiny. Follow people who know where they're going, who see where you're supposed to go, and who are willing to help you get there. A leader isn't someone who makes you a nice cup of tea and chats with you on the phone for three hours every day. They're someone who takes decisive steps toward their destination and, by following them, allows you to arrive safely. Do you want to reach your destination rather than a dead end? Choose carefully who you follow.
Shalom!
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