Have you ever seen a mamma duck with her babies following in a neat little line behind her? It’s an adorable sight. As a kid, I loved going to the pond to watch the cute little ducklings waddle behind their mommies.
Mommy duck jumps in the water. Baby ducks jump in the water.
Mommy duck sits down for a nap. Baby ducks sit down for a nap.
Mommy duck stands up and starts walking. Baby ducks start walking.
These little ducklings have their eyes on their mommy and they copy her every move. When ducks behave this way, it’s totally adorable. When grown adults act this way, it’s seriously concerning.
Sadly, over the past few years the Christian community has seen the fall of several prominent Christian leaders. Moral failure, secret sins, deceitful lifestyles and more. To add to the problem these Christian leaders had been placed on a pedestal and had a trail of ducklings following closely behind. Whatever these leaders said, people did. Just like the ducklings.
We, as Christians, have a major tendency to act like baby ducklings.
We find a Christian leader, place them on a pedestal, and copy their every move.
Leader says, girls should only wear skirts. Followers only wear skirts.
Leader says, don’t listen to contemporary Christian music. Followers don’t listen to it.
Leader says, don’t touch alcohol. Followers don’t touch alcohol.
Leader says, (fill in the blank). Followers do (fill in the blank).
Instead of being Bereans (i.e. examining what they hear and comparing it to the Word) we, as Christians, often become followers of men and obeyers of rules.
I want to take some time today to ask you why you do what you do.
My prayer is that all of us will make God’s Word our final authority and will compare any and everything we hear to the Word. Let’s build our lives on the solid foundation of the Bible and make sure our personal convictions are rooted in Truth, not man-made rules.
Remember, men/women (even Christian leaders) will fail, but the Word of the Lord will never fail. Base your convictions, beliefs, lifestyle and goals around the Word of God. Not a certain group, Christian trend, set of rules or leader.
Over the past few years I’ve really had to evaluate my own heart.
I’ve had to ask myself, “why do I do what I do? Why do I have the convictions I have? Why do I have the morals I have? Why do I seek out relationships the way I do.” I’ve had to evaluate my own set of beliefs and make sure that my heart truly desires to honor God above all else..
I want you to evaluate your own heart and ask yourself this series of questions:
1. Am I Doing This For People or for God?
Way too often, we, as Christians, live life for the approval of people rather than God. We want people to look at us and think, “wow! She doesn’t wear makeup, she’s so inward focused. What a godly young lady.” Sadly, the heart of that young lady is living for the approval of people not for God. Make sure that your heart’s motive is for Christ, not for man.
2. What Does the Bible Say About This?
Don’t be a blind follower. Don’t follow a certain “Christian trend” just because it’s all the rage. Know what the Bible says and have conviction for yourself. Know why you do what you do. I challenge you to study the Word and create convictions based on the foundation of God’s truth.
3. Is My Heart Rooted in Pride?
Do you view yourself as “holier than thou” because of your convictions? Do you look down upon other Christians who don’t hold to your same set of beliefs? Check your heart for pride and remind yourself that you are living to honor Christ. Remind yourself daily of how much you need Christ and strive to pour out Christ’s love daily on those around you. Reflect Christ’s love, compassion, mercy and grace to those whom you disagree with.
4. Am I Idolizing a Leader?
Are you basing your personal beliefs and convictions on a certain leader’s point of view? Do you view that leader as all-knowing? What will happen if that leader were to fail you? I HIGHLY encourage you to check out 1 Corinthians 3 and make sure that you are following Christ and not man.
5. Am I Putting on a Show?
I’ve seen way too many Christian girls who are walking-the-Christian-walk just because they want to look good. Their hearts aren’t in it but they want to look the part (I’ll be the first to admit thst I’ve been here). Why are you doing what you are doing? Are you just putting on the Christian show or do you really believe what you are living?
Let’s be Christian girls who stand firm on the Word.
Let’s declare ourselves as Christ followers not a (you fill in the blank) follower. Christian “trends” will come and go, but the Word of God remains forever.
It’s your turn to answer.
Why do you do what you do? Are you first and foremost a follower of Christ? Have you (or someone you know) ever idolized a Christian leader?
I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with me in the comments below.
