Rearview Mirror

When you chose to follow Christ and he calls you to lead others.

Check behind you often to be sure they are still following you!

Today's Scripture:

The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without following.

Proverbs 14:28

If you were going to take a caravan of travelers to an out-of-state destination, much like our annual trip with the youth, you would have to make some plans ahead of time. You would make sure that everyone driving knew the destination. Of course you would provide clear directions, maybe a map, a call list with every one's cellphone numbers, even an itinerary for traveling. Then, you would engage your gears and embark on your journey. But your responsibility does not end when the cars or vans start moving. A leader that drives with a front view only can see clearly where he is headed.

But if a leader doesn't check the rear view mirror, he doesn't know when he has lost his caravan.

Sometimes in the eagerness of leadership you can take off at warp speed with a new idea or project and even in catching a wave of the Holy Spirit moving you in an uncharted direction. You quickly follow the steps of casting the vision by describing where you are headed and what the goals of the mission are. Then you communicate the vision to all the affected parties. You hold meetings or planning sessions, send notices, and talk it up until everyone understands the plan. But you must also keep the vision in front of the people. Once your project or mission is under way, continue to check that everyone is headed in the right direction, and continue to stir the enthusiasm for the project.

Check behind you once in a while, or you will not know if people are still following you. By keeping an eye on the rear view, you can detect if people need rest stops, coffee breaks, or assistance in accomplishing God's vision for us.

Selah people' and friends choose a current team, family or church project that you are planning. Establish predetermined checkpoints or goals in the project timeline to see if you need to pause for refreshment or redirection. Maybe just that pause to contemplate, ponder or reflect what is already behind us before we move ahead much like the name of our church was originally intended in the Psalms..."Selah".

"God's wisdom be yours and keep an occasional eye watching your flock in the rear view mirror to make sure they have not gone astray and that together we all can make it to our ultimate and intended destination."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston