Another car drove past me. I followed it on a steady pace. It took the same route I would have taken. It looked like we were heading towards the same direction. Therefore, and unconsciously, I followed that car and imitated it. I indicated when the driver indicated, I stopped when the car stopped, I moved when the car moved. All seemed alright at the time.

This continued for about seven minutes until the driver took a left turn. Just like before, I followed as well. Then I suddenly stopped. The left turn was not part of my route. I was meant to continue on a straight course. I had to find a small street, did a U-turn.

I continued my journey.

Follow other people when you can. Observe and learn how they tackle life’s bumps, challenges and life issues. Learn from their attitudes, their lifestyles, their fellowship with God, and their conduct before men. However, when their journey deviates from yours, when their words and actions does not imitate Jesus and His teachings; be bold and courageous to stop following them. Be bold to prayerfully make a U-turn and return to God’s will for you.

Paul in his letters instructed us to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV) In other words, we can follow Paul’s teachings, his lifestyle and character PROVIDED THAT his lifestyle is in tandem with that of Christ. We are a community of different family units – nuclear family, extended family, work family, church family, school family, etc. In these communities, we find good examples of men who we can follow, and learn from. We must, however, be careful not to copy their wrong doings.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12).

It takes courage to say no to someone you look up to when you know their life does not imitate Christ. The grace of God is abundantly available and sufficient to help us mature into vessels of honour for Him. If you desire to be a broken alabaster box, releasing the sweet fragrance of Christ, then, you must be ready to stop and say no any path which is leads to ungodliness and worldliness. We must learn to focus on our journey with Christ and must learn refuse every distractions we may face.

Shalom.
(To be continued)

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