Follow Thou Me - by Annie Johnson Flint

This is one of my favorite poems by Annie Johnson Flint, although I admit it is sometimes hard for me to choose favorites. But, this particular poem is so well written and clear, and it speaks so well what I need to hear and remember.

John 21:20-22  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

It is easy to be distracted with where other people's lives are taking them in the first place, but with all the access to the thoughts, journeys, and lives of others that we have through social media, blogging, and the internet in general, we can get very distracted from the precise path in which we are supposed to be following Christ. While we may be encouraged, strengthened, challenged, or saddened in reading or hearing other's experiences, we must not let this keep us from following the path where the Lord is leading each of us personally. It is so easy to get all caught up in watching what is happening to others instead of keeping our eyes on the Lord!

We are called, as Peter was, to follow Jesus, not to be looking around wondering what will happen to everyone else. Let's make a conscious effort to stay focused on where He is taking us - each in our own journey with Him. Yes, we need to minister to others, we need to be good friends and fellow saints, but we each need to follow Christ's steps in the place He is leading us. We need to follow HIM.

1 Peter 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[Looks like he remembered that lesson, doesn't it?]

Follow Thou Me

Follow - not go ahead at thine own pleasure,
Nor turn aside at thine own wayward will,
Nor stray afar in search of other treasure,
But close at hand, where I can aid thee still...

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