"If you walkaway, walkaway... I will follow!"
If you haven't noticed by now, my favorite band is U2. I've been a fan of theirs since high school and attending my first concert in the mid-80's. I love their unique style, prophetic voice, spiritual awareness and social consciousness!
This song "I will follow" often reminds me of the call of Jesus:
"Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19
I love this about Jesus: He often calls us to question our prevailing assumptions:
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In order to be first, you must be last.
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In order to lead, you must serve.
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In order to live, you must die.
Such a paradox! And, yet so true!
I was recently enjoying an afternoon with a friend in Hong Kong and we were talking about the importance of "followership". It seems the world is constantly talking about "leadership" because leadership sells. This poses an interesting question or dilemma for a movement like A3. Why? Because our focus is on Christ-like Leadership!
But, Jesus style leadership is part of an UpSide Down Kingdom. Just read, Donald Kraybill's book Upside-Down Kingdom to get one glimpse of what Jesus is calling us to in life. Or perhaps an even better look is Jane Overstreet's Unleader. You'll begin to get a picture of what A3 is all about: Christ-like Leadership.
A better way to look at this is what my friend called "Followership". Jesus says, "Come, follow me"... In Jesus Upside-Down Kingdom, it's only as we follow Him, abide in Him (John 15), that we truly lead well.
Join me as I journey on the road of "Followership" and let's see a different kind of leader emerge for the future: one who serves, dies to self, and gives up all for the others... That is my journey, what's yours?
If [Jesus] walks away, walks away, I will follow!
Joe Handley
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Enjoy this blast from the past. U2 from 35 years ago...
Or watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2BqLlVHlWA
