Opening to the Spirit
Today’s word: Follower
1
) I have long thought about my faith as being more about the practices I follow than the beliefs I hold. We may hold a certain set of beliefs but unless they make sense in the context of our lived experience we end up playing some kind of mental gymnastics. In that case our beliefs do not help us in giving meaning and purpose to our lives.
It is only in the doing that we come to understand ourselves and others. I can think of many times when I have formed negative opinions about people or even a whole group of people and how those opinions changed as I got to know them. Our experiences can change our beliefs. I am constantly challenged in my attitudes, my behaviours and especially the activities I make my priorities.
I have, in the past, held a certain high regard for myself as a follower of Jesus. But time has demonstrated that I am sometimes more arrogant, less patient, less humble and less courageous than I thought I was. Jesus teaches us that service to others should be my highest priority, but I often become preoccupied with selfish concerns. One of the major themes of most world religions is that of forgiveness. We are asked to forgive those who have done us harm. Yet as long as “forgive others” remains in the realm of belief as some kind of ideal world and does not descend into our daily living practices, we never really grapple with the issues that prevent true forgiveness.
It is in the doing, practicing and following a set of guidelines - in my case the teachings of Jesus - that we can grow. Our beliefs begin to fall into line with our experience and we gain a sense of integrity. It’s called walking the talk.
2
) I wish I could say this is my core identity. As a Christian, this is what I am. Most simply, a Christian is a follower of Jesus. By studying scripture, participating in worship, and spending time in prayer we discover more about who Jesus is and what he wants us to do.
Doing what he wants us to do is the main way that we are followers. Or, what we always need to say, is that we do what we think he wants us to do.
Some things are clear and consistent: visit the sick, share with the poor, pray to our Father in heaven, participate in communion “in memory of him”.
Some things are up for interpretation. Do we welcome our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as full members of the church, with the same access to the sacraments? Do we support or condemn a woman’s right to choose?
There are many situations where we need to figure out how to follow. There are many issues on which Jesus was silent. As a follower I commit to read and reflect and pray. I commit to do my best to figure out what Jesus wants.
3
) Peer pressure can be a difficult thing for young people and adults alike. A group of acquaintances want you to join them in some risky behaviour and others are pressured to join in or be shamed. Some meekly become followers while others choose to stand out and be themselves. I remember once my son was in elementary school and was given a fur hat for Christmas. I was a bit worried when he wore it to school on the first day back. When he got off the bus in the afternoon I asked him how the other kids had reacted to his hat. He said that some had teased him about it. I replied that he could just wear his toque if he wanted. “No thanks dad, I like my new hat” was his reply. I was so proud that he had embraced his individuality. He would not meekly become a follower.
As an adult I have often heard the expression “You've got to go along to get along.” Don't rock the boat, just join in and be like everyone else. I have seen the world of advertising use pressure to get us to buy the latest car, the newest clothes, or the latest cell phone. Many go into debt simply trying to follow the current trends, or to make up for a feeling of inadequacy. I think for the most part I have resisted these temptations and have marched to a different drummer.
As a follower of Jesus who welcomed everybody and accepted their differences, I do not need to be a trend follower to gain self esteem. In the words of the poet, Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
4
) "Don't walk before me," the saying goes, "I may not follow. Don't walk behind; I may not lead. Walk beside me and keep me company." Aren't we all followers or leaders taking turns? We learn, teach, inspire and "spell" each other, stepping up or dropping back. Life's a game of "Tag, your IT" where roles can change at a moment's notice, the chased turns pursuer, the last steps into first place.
Early on I learned that always being the leader is overrated. In grade school the line to lunch, library, restrooms or recess was assembled by size or alpha order. From day one I was shortest and my name began with AC. By grade three, a new classmate named Abbot finally arrived, and with relief I only led the line when she was absent.
Images of the Pied Piper stick in the mind, a book cover depicting a parade of rats led in somewhat orderly fashion out of the city of Hamlin. Who'd want to be that? Challenged to become leaders, we were warned against blindly following every new trend or twist of fashion, the next foolhardy idea to come down the pike. I lost friends for refusing to swoon over pop music stars. Yet certain rules had to be followed even when they didn't make sense. Follower or leader ~ the choice was a complicated business.
Yet all my life I've been led by certain literary figures, trains of thought or areas of inquiry, academics like geology, astronomy or anthropology. Solo instruments lead me to places I could otherwise not go, and I avidly follow news of local concerts, the careers of famous cellists. I'd claim a place if offered at the end of a long line of poets whose voices model for me the best uses of language. Ideals like beauty and goodness keep me running or limping to catch up. I know I'll follow the infinite and mysterious wherever they lead. How about you?
One word, four voices - now it's your turn to reflect: Have you ever been a follower, what has led you, or who?
Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Waterville & North Hatley pastoral charge; Rev. Lynn Dillabough is now Rector of St. Paul's in Brockville ON. She continues to write for this column as a dedicated colleague with the Eastern Townships clergy writing team; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco is Consulting Minister to UU Estrie-unitarian Universalists in North Hatley.