The paradoxical thing here is that we find our life by losing it. By giving it away to our God. When you die to selfishness you find rebirth into real life. The old man or old nature is replaced by a new person in Christ Jesus. We are so devoted that we follow Him wherever He leads us.
Lovers pattern or model their life after each other.
Following is dangerous because following changes the follower. Remember Jim Jones and David Koresh, etc. So be judicious in choosing who you follow. Jesus empowers each follower with strength to keep following. Follow close in Jesus' footsteps.