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Primitive Christianity Revived, Again

Lead, follow or get out of the way

My father used to use a slightly enlarged version of this phrase. It is commonly attributed to General Patton and when done so. it often begins, “We herd sheep, we drive cattle, [and] we lead people.” Patton’s words also come with more personal wording, “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” While I have no particular reason to doubt its authenticity, I do wonder how many were on the list of people that Patton invited to lead him. Others, from Thomas Paine to Ted Turner are credited with this phrase and several authors have written books explaining how to follow the advice.

Mark 9:2-4

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white,such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

I believe you see Jesus do all three things in these few verses. First, Jesus follows the lead of God and goes up the mountain. He takes Peter, James and John with him, leading their way. Then, once they are there, he gets out of the way so Elijah and Moses have a chance to speak. Jesus may not have preached these exact words, but he did practice them.

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Comment by James C Schultz on 2nd mo. 20, 2017 at 10:39pm: I think the following addresses the same issue:

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Comment by Glenn Morison on 2nd mo. 20, 2017 at 10:43pm: James- agreed!

Comment by William F Rushby on 2nd mo. 21, 2017 at 3:56pm: "Lead, follow, get out of the way," but observe, analyze and comment if you are on the fringes!!

Comment by James C Schultz on 2nd mo. 22, 2017 at 10:48am: Bill: I was wondering if there was a scripture for this and came up with:

Ezekiel 33: 6 through 8.

Comment by William F Rushby on 2nd mo. 22, 2017 at 11:13am: Hello, James! Please explain.

Comment by James C Schultz on 2nd mo. 22, 2017 at 6:32pm: My first thought was that unsolicited commentary didn't serve a useful purpose to those who were trying to accomplish something. However, I paused to check if my initial reaction was warranted. After asking the spirit for a scripture that would be appropriate Eze 33: 6 came to mind. So in short if it's your role in life to be a watchman, it's your duty to comment on what you see ahead which for many would be the result of analyzing what was observed. Otherwise you are merely a kibitzer which in today's society can pay well with the right platform.

Comment by William F Rushby on 2nd mo. 22, 2017 at 10:06pm: When one observes a vehicle headed toward catastrophe, some unsolicited advice seems to be in order!

The prophet Amos didn't ask the elite of the northern kingdom of Israel if they wanted advice! He showed up there, at God's command, and offered an assessment of their situation and advice without an invitation!

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