Unfollow the Leader

We have to be careful when we make decisions based on what looks popular. A current social networking site encourages us to "follow" and have "followers." What are the underlying implications of this in life and ministry?

In the ministry of movement, many of our woes are a result of people following what they see, instead of asking the Lord what to do. Garment controversy is largely related to the "follower" mindset ("Every one else is wearing it..."). Predictable movements are birthed out of a "watch and repeat" mentality (many similar movements seen among praise dancers for "heart," "love," "Jesus," "time," etc...). Countless people join organizations, ministries and churches based on where the crowd may be gathering. We cannot be led by outward appearances.

We must be especially careful when we join ourselves to certain leaders. The decision to connect or walk in covenant agreement with someone else can result in a blessing or utter destruction. Deciding to submit to a leader based on peer pressure ("I'm doing it, and so should you!"), perceived benefits ("Get your ministry license/ordination..." "Special doors will be unlocked for you..."), or popularity ("My leader is a published author..." "Our conferences are the largest...," "My mentor is on television...") can result in disaster if we are not following the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we decide to hook up with leadership without realizing that our choice is based on personal gain. Many dance ministers may feel as though aligning with a particular leader may give them more credibility, provide bigger platforms, and give access to a larger network of dancers to build associates. While this can actually be a byproduct of great relationships, entering into fellowship with people based on selfish motives reveals the true condition of our hearts.

Let us decide to follow God. Relationships that God joins together produce fruit and bring glory to His name. Praying and seeking the Lord for discernment will allow us to see who to join and who to avoid. It is indeed better to obey God rather than men.

(New King James Bible Version)

2 Chronicles 20:35-37
After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. And he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Acts 5:36-39
For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.