Following the Leader
Scott McCown

There is an interesting little insect called the Processionary Caterpillar. It was so named for its tendency to blindly follow the caterpillar in front of it. In a very unusual experiment, a group of theses little caterpillars was placed in a circle around the rim of a flowerpot. A bunch of pine needles, their favorite food, was in the center of the circled pot. You can probably guess what happened. They followed each other around the rim of the flowerpot for a full seven days and nights until they died of starvation. They starved to death while an abundant supply of food was less than six inches away.

If just one caterpillar had broken rank and began to search for food, others would have followed. The group would have been spared. They would have found what they needed to live.

Paul broke free from the senseless circle and shouted, "Imitate (follow) me as I also imitate (follow) Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1. Many did . . . and others followed them . . . and others followed them . . . and they found Christ and life!

Just look over your shoulder at the procession behind you. They are there! Your spouse, your children, your neighbors, enemies, students in your Bible class, your brother in Christ, the ladies at the beauty shop, the people you work with, parents of those you teach, a discouraged friend, a new "babe" in Christ. The list goes on and on. People you never dreamed you had an influence on are watching you. Someone is following you.

Paul reminds us in Romans 14:7-8, "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."

Do not blindly follow anyone, follow those who follow the Christ. Do not blindly lead, lead others to Christ. Jesus said it this way, "Can the blind lead the blind ? Will they not both fall into the ditch?" Luke 6:39. ❦

Ladies . . . .
There will be a practice session to run through the planned program for Ladies’ Day, Monday (tomorrow) evening at 6:00 in the annex. All those who are taking lead roles in the program should plan to attend.

NOTE: The regular Ladies’ Luncheon/devo has been cancelled for this month only.

ALSO: The monthly Home Devo has also been cancelled for this month only.

House To House
There are issues of the House To House, Heart To Heart magazine in the foyer for those members who live OUTSIDE greater Auburndale. Those who live in the city should receive their copy by mail.

We are to seek first the kingdom of god and his righteousness and things which we need will be supplied. When things apparently seem difficult let us continue to look to Christ. Paul said, "God shall supply all your need." (Philippians 4:19)

Children’s Class
Our youngsters meet each Sunday evening at 5:40 for a period of stories and songs. Tonight’s teacher is scheduled to be Greg Littleton.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

              • Sat. Mar. 16 - Ladies’ Day
              Orange Street church of Christ
              Speaker: Joyce Kidwell Stearsman

              • March 24-28 - Gospel Meeting
              5^th Street in Bartow -- 7:30 PM Nightly
              w/ Anthony Weeks (FSOP graduate)