A few years ago, someone heard a message being played by a friend of mine. The message was by my spiritual father. The person stopped and asked my friend; “This person preaches like Pastor ‘Demola Awoyele.” My friend responded; “No. Pastor ‘Demola preaches like him. This preacher is pastor’s spiritual father.” That conversation taught me a lesson on following right.
Friend, the proof of followership is resemblance (John 14:9). You would always resemble the person you follow, either consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly. Aside from resemblance, true followership also brings duplication, representation, reproduction, and multiplication. What is working for and with the person should also be working for and with you (2 Kings 2:14-15).
For example, if you are following Jesus well, you should resemble Him in character, competence, and capacity. You should duplicate His life and impact on the earth (John 14:12). You should represent Him and what He stands for anywhere. You should reproduce Him in others via discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). Your life should multiply His kingdom on earth. Can these be said of you?
Following someone is not just playing buffoonery around. It is not name dropping (Luke 3:8). It is not just taking pictures with them and posting them on social media. It is not looking for a platform to preach for them so everyone can identify you with them. It is not using them to gain popularity and followership. It is simply receiving of their substance and spirit that enable you to function in your own unique destiny (2 Kings 3:11-12).
Following someone does not make you a clone. It only means you would function and flow from the reality of God on their lives (Acts 4:13). This is the law of the kingdom. We are all to be extensions of spirits and graces. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah, the disciples operated in the boldness and authority of Christ. Even Herodias operated in the spirit of Jezebel. Whose step and spirit are you walking in (2 Corinthians 12:18)?
Be vocal about who you are following. It does not reduce you. It only gives you credibility and traction in the spirit (Luke 3:16). Jesus also talked about His Father always. Don’t follow someone who is not following anyone and be careful of following someone who is following everybody (1 Corinthians 11:1). Claiming you are following many men of God is proof you don’t want to be accountable to anyone (1 Corinthians 4:15).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria