Following Men: Every once in a while, someone says something that stings a little at first but proves worth thinking about later. A few months ago someone told me I was leading all my followers to hell. My first reaction was simply, “that’s a pretty harsh thing to say.” But after thinking about it for a while, my attention shifted to something far more important. What if he’s right? What if I’m deceived? The Lord warned about the blind leading the blind, and both falling into the ditch. That’s a frightening picture because the blind don’t realize they’re blind. Then I remember those searching words spoken to Christ: “Are we blind also?” I never want to become so certain of myself that I stop asking that question. Then I remembered my answer. If anyone is following me, stop immediately. You’ve taken a wrong turn.
I’ve never been quite sure how to express this, but over the years a few people have told me they’ve been helped by something I’ve written or by a few thoughts I’ve shared from the Scriptures. Every time someone says something like that, I’m genuinely thankful. I don’t really know how else to respond. It’s a little like receiving a thoughtful gift from a friend. We rightly thank the person who gave it, yet as believers we also recognize the Lord’s hand behind every good gift. James 1:17. Even in something as simple as an encouraging conversation or a timely thought, we ultimately give thanks to Him.
That whole exchange left me thinking about something I’ve been pondering more and more over the years. I suspect that’s where many of our troubles begin. We have an amazing tendency to identify ourselves with a particular teacher, movement, denomination, or theological camp. There is certainly nothing wrong with learning from faithful men. In fact, thank God for every brother and sister who helps us see Christ more clearly and with whom we enjoy sweet fellowship in the gospel. Those friendships are precious gifts. But the moment our little circle becomes the place where we find our identity, we’ve already begun looking in the wrong direction. That’s why our fellowship is precious – not because our group defines the kingdom of God, but because Christ has graciously brought us together.
But somewhere along the way, our eyes have a way of settling on the messenger instead of remaining fixed upon the One to whom he was pointing. Once that happens, it doesn’t take long before those associations begin shaping how we view other believers. Instead of asking, “What does Scripture say?” we begin asking, “Whose side is he on?” We start sorting people into “our people” and “their people,” and before long friendships are formed – or avoided – not because of the gospel itself, but because of the circles we belong to.
I’ve watched that happen more times than I care to remember. “He’s with this group.” “She follows that teacher.” “Don’t read him.” “Stay away from her.” All it really accomplishes is building walls between brethren who confess the same Savior. Guilt by association slowly replaces careful thought, and labels begin doing the work that Scripture ought to be doing. Sadly, I’ve built a few of those walls myself over the years.
Perhaps that’s one reason I’ve become increasingly cautious about putting men on pedestals. Faithful teachers are a tremendous blessing from the Lord, and we ought to thank Him for every one of them. But they’re still just men. They’ll misunderstand things. They’ll disagree with one another. Sometimes they’ll disappoint us. Sometimes they’ll disappoint themselves. Christ never disappoints His people. Christ never asked us to become experts in following one another. He simply said, “Follow me.” He is the One worth following. He is the One worth hearing. He is the One who will never lead a sinner astray. If I can leave you with one thought, it’s this: Don’t let anything – even faithful men – replace Christ as the ONE upon whom your eyes are fixed. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”Isaiah 45:22. MPJ
Postscript: I loved that last line: “I’ll let you down I’m sure.” The funny thing is, I know it’s true… because I’ll let you down too. We all disappoint one another from time to time. Thankfully, the bonds Christ creates are deeper than our sins. Our fellowship isn’t held together by flawless people, but by a flawless Savior. I have a funny illustration for you which sort of ties in with some of these thoughts. We had a few of our grandchildren riding in the car, listening to Tom Chapin’s Don’t Play with Bruno. Why? “Because Bruno is a dweeb. A dweeb? What’s a dweeb??? Well… you know… like Bruno.” I know we’re talking about something much more serious than childhood labels, but the tendency isn’t all that different. We have a remarkable ability to sort people into little groups, give them labels, and decide who’s ‘our people’ and who isn’t. Thankfully, Christ has a way of tearing down walls that we’re so quick to build.