Follow Me

A tombstone epitaph reads: “Pause stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me!” A passerby read those words and underneath scratched this response: “To follow you I’ll not consent, until I know which way you went!”

I used to be a “follower” when I was in grade school. I admired and followed a popular girl. Although I could not have verbalized it at that time, I believe now that it was because she was cute, well dressed, well spoken and had a commanding personality. In my own mind, I was pretty much the opposite. To be fair, the popular girl that I am speaking of was a nice young lady and certainly never harmed me in any way physically or emotionally. However, I do remember around this time as I and other girls who also admired this girl leader, were following her as usual. I came to a realization. I asked myself why was I following this popular girl. Without thinking, I immediately did an about face and never followed her or anyone else again like that.

This incident in my life made a lasting impression on me. I believe this was in some way the beginning of my quest to understand human nature. I learned that in life, there are indeed some who seem prone to be followers and others who seem to be born leaders. If you are a follower, it really does matter who you are following.

There is an interesting passage in the Bible found in Matthew 15. Jesus had given a discourse to some scribes and Pharisees. Afterwards the disciples advised Jesus that the Pharisees were offended. Jesus’ response was as follows:

14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Matthew 15:14

That’s a little depressing. I was grateful to find another scripture regarding following someone. This same Jesus said in Matthew 4 regarding fishermen:

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.Matthew 4:19

It really does matter who you follow. Each person must make that decision for him or herself. I know that one path leads to hell and the other to heaven. Who are you following? What will your epitaph say?