Have you ever hiked in knee-deep snow? If so, then you know it can be slow and tiring to traverse from one point to another, especially if you’re in the lead breaking a new path through fresh powder. The winter boots are heavy, the parka is bulky, and the cold winter air nips at your face, fingers and toes. Snowshoes and skies can make a tremendous difference in mobility. What once took an hour is now halved. Yet, even with such tools the knee-high snow is relentless, and it’s why it’s easier to follow someone who’s already broken ground rather than to lead.
Near the end of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, Paul expresses his opinion about the first century church in Rome. He states:
“I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder” (Romans 15:14-15, NLT).
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is preparatory to his eventual visitation. It’s theological depth instructs the newly formed church on the fullness of Christ, aiding the various newcomers to the faith with insight born from knowing and obeying Jesus. After Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he followed the path Jesus laid forth. While doing so, Paul was far from being alone. Sometimes he was with Barnabas, other times with Peter and so on. Who he shared the journey with dependent in large part on location and the Lord’s purpose for Paul’s life.
When following our Lord – that is knowing and obeying Jesus – we are not alone as one might be trekking through a snowy wilderness to a hidden cabin. Instead, we travel together, sharing the load, moving forward, sometimes in the lead breaking new ground, and sometimes right behind following in footprints freshly made. Just as knee-deep snow can be relentless, so too is the need for leadership. Family, friends, coworkers, and fellow believers need you to lead a path worth following through the cold chaos of everyday life. You are needed in what you say and what you do so others will not only know the path of Jesus but also walk along with you too. Your leadership matters. So lead by example, but don’t forget to teach others how to lead. Jesus taught His disciples to lead as He did. Do the same. Do not stomp a new path forward by yourself. Make mentoring primary to what you do, for then and only then will it be that together we stomp a new path forward.
It’s a New Day,
Pastor Aaron
