Follow the Leader

While on a road trip with my collegiate basketball team we went to an afternoon movie entitled “Viva Zapata.” This is not an endorsement of the cause of their revolution. It is an extraction of a line from the deathbed scene of the dad of Zapata. Amid the brewing turmoil the dad said to the son, “Trouble is coming, find a leader. If you can’t find a leader, be a leader.” Unable to find a leader, the son became the leader of the successful revolution.

With potential storm clouds brewing on our national horizon that line has a place today. Be a leader.

Believers have found a leader in Jesus Christ and the final score of the contest in which He is leading is known by His followers, “We win.”

However, there is a lot to be played out in the contest. There are times, “teammates,”we will inevitably get behind. It is then our individual role becomes most important. Don’t let your head hang down. Don’t sit on the bench, get in the game.

Talk to the coach often. It is called prayer. We are told to pray without ceasing. An understanding of what that means is seen in the navigator of an airplane. He does not speak constantly, but he keeps the communication channel open knowing he can speak at any time. Keep your prayer channel open so you can check in at any moment. You will find the following communications coming in at all times:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34) 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Be well versed on the play book. For our contest, that is the Bible. At difficult times in the game immediate access to game strategy is needed instantly. There isn’t time to look up the strategy, immediate recall is needed. Therefore, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) 

Be ready to apply the Divine game plan.

Don’t expect the contest to be easy. Coach Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Be a spirited competitor, talk it up, express your enthusiasm for the cause.

Don’t let the opponent fake you and get you off your game as in the days of Isaiah.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”  (Isaiah 5:20)

Don’t whine or show a defeatist’s attitude. You are in it to win it. Got it? Good.

These are essential elements to play your best: talk to the coach often, read, rather study, the play book, expect the competition to be difficult, express your belief, and don’t get off your game. 

Having found a leader, the Leader, be a leader for Him. You were born to be an overcomer.