Remember to Follow, but always lead

At this point I've been going through a time where I've needed to think about stepping outside my comfort zone and embrace life. Real life as a man though doesn't mean to continue as a child and live at home. As Paul said, "When I became a man I put childish things behind me." In this way he became a leader and did not follow examples of other people. I've decided that it is best to embrace this new venture as necessary even though I at first may not have wanted it.

In life itself we are broken down by peers to follow example and do what is being done, the only time something new can be acceptable is when you happen to be "cool." The way to becoming cool is as fragile as sunshine on a cloudy day. We are taught in most cases to remain on the wayside while others that are more "qualified" act as a lightning rod for us simple minded.

If I were talking about everyday happenings I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it. I don't trust some "professionals" like others do, but on the whole I do trust those who have a few more years on me. In religion though the matter is different.

The apostle Paul understood how it was to lead in life, he didn't knuckle under anyone because he was not trying to impress anyone other than the Father. It is so easy though for us to step aside and forget that we are only supposed to be following God, and at that we are to follow nothing else. In the Commandments the God gives us in Deuteronomy it says to "Respect your father and mother" even "obey," but it does not say anything about giving your heart to them. It speaks of obedience and respect as an obligatory thing. A relationship with your parents is in fact a very good thing, and it is something that God does not discourage, but there is only One entity that God does tell us to follow wholeheartedly above all else, and that is Him.

In life we are commanded to follow God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Follow God, not the crowd, not what your grandma thinks is best for you. God and only God. In life we are to lead in this aspect. In all ways follow God, but also in all ways lead others towards Him.

This stage in my life where I expect to be embracing what adults call the "real world," I pray I will set the trend that when my heavenly Father gives me a commandment, that I will follow Him. That I would put away pride and the fear of embarrassment and simply follow as I should. I think the quickest way to becoming cool is when you stand up for what is right and no one else can step on you because of it. Make no mistake, that is also the quickest way to persecution, but after awhile, those people do come around when you seem to have this joy in you that no one else around seems to have.

In life always follow God no matter the cost, remember that people die for Him every day while we worry if we're going to miss our favorite show. In life also always remember that we should set the example and lead the crowd, not follow it. The crowd won't go to God on its own.