[ampaterry]

Thanks, guys!

And the decision to follow God has even more to it.
We must follow Him in the way He wants us to, and for the right reason as well.

There was a brigade of artillery moving at full gallop over a piece of uneven ground intersected by a ditch full of water when one of the guns got stuck in the ditch. The first gunner, a man of great strength, jumped down into the water and, setting his shoulders to one of the wheels, lifted it out of the mud. He resumed his seat, and the artillery movement continued.
Prince Augustus of Prussia, who came up at the moment, cried, "Bravo, my lad," and tearing off a strip from his sash, gave it to the artilleryman, telling him to fasten it to his sword- belt in remembrance. In the evening, the soldier, when in his barracks, was surprised by receiving a gratuity of 150 golden crowns.

A short time after, another artilleryman, having heard this anecdote, wished in his turn to display his strength. Soon Prince Augustus was at the arsenal of Berlin and ordered a 24- pounder to be mounted on its carriage. This artilleryman immediately ran over and picked up the cannon and set it in place by himself. The prince, however, said "This man is a fool. He has risked his limbs, and wasted his strength without any necessity. Let him be under arrest for three days."

This story gives us a warning against being just a copy-cat. An action may be noble and praiseworthy for one person to do, but be ridiculous for someone else in slightly different circumstances to do.

When you are following God, you must follow GOD, by the leading of the Holy Spirit. That means you do NOT simply look at some noteworthy Christian and attempt to duplicate what they have done.

The Word of God tells us that we are to follow Jesus Christ:
Colossians 3:22-24 (KJV);
"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

God bless you, guys, with the sure knowledge of HOW He wishes you to follow him as well as why.