Burdened

‘Go and make disciples’ I read
And wonder what it means to lead

In a world counted by likes and follows
the leadership pill is a hard one to swallow

I wonder, however, if equally tricky
Is, choosing your shepherd, being thoughtfully picky

And then – when it seems he’s led you astray
Asking hard questions that challenge your way

Of deciding exactly where the fault lies
In His actions and words or your ears and your eyes

Whoever you follow, admit it or not
Will only teach what you will be taught

So choose carefully who’s lessons and teachings you heed
You can, you know, choose who you watch, what you read

There are many to follow and many to hear
Many to admire, many to fear

Many decisions, ideas and choices
Many leaders, teachers, performers and voices

Choose this day which one you will serve
Which virtues, and ideals your efforts deserve

Because believe it or not they’re watching too
Listening, following, taking their cues from you

So how then will you live? As wise or unwise
What’ll you speak to their ears and show to their eyes?

For some you will lead, and others you’ll trail
to some you’ll succeed – for others you’ll fail

There is no one to blame for your errors you see
No excuse for misleading those who follow blindly

But you will make mistakes and they will do as you do
Whether you adhere to old truths or invent something new
But in all this remember something you already knew
your actions were chosen by no one but you…

-February 2020