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“At last! We are leaders!” But what about our example?

4 min read, approximately

“I thank him that enabled me, [even] Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to [his] service;” (1 Timothy 1:12)

We see more and more people who do not know God. Yet when these people hit rock bottom and find themselves without hope, desperation sets in as they long for direction, a word, someone to heal or listen to them… They go looking for help.
Many of these people end up seeking help at a local church, just as you and I did… Do you remember?

They arrive so burdened, with so many problems and so much anguish, tormented; many arrive with thoughts of suicide… And what do they find in churches?
What do these people find in those who are part of the church’s leadership?
What do they find in… us?

Solution or problem?

Let us look at the instructions the Word gives us and consider whether we are part of the solution or… the problem. Let us read:

“The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; one that ruleth well his own house, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity; (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:2-7)

Now let us rate ourselves from 1 to 10:

• Are we above reproach? Does anyone point a finger at us or accuse us of something? The husband of one wife? The wife of one husband? Is Jesus the center of our marriage?
• Peacemakers? Loyal? People of integrity? Are we honest?
• Do we prepare ourselves in the matters of God’s Kingdom? Do we delight in reading God’s Word? Do we pray? Do we fast? Do we understand that it is about helping and lifting others up, not pointing fingers, judging, or criticizing?
• Are we an example in our home? How are our children? Do we know what is happening with them? Do our children turn to us for advice before turning to the world? Do our spouse and children see us as a role model? Do we preach God’s Word in our home? Do we pray as a family? Does our family know God’s Word and remember its benefits?
• What about our parents and siblings? What about those around us—neighbors, people we encounter in the street, at university, at school, at work…?

Do we understand that the glory belongs to the Lord and not to us…

“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)?

Let us remember that

“…If anyone aspires to be an overseer, they desire a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1)

but

“Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:7)

“(but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:5)

“We are leaders! We are going to care for the Lord’s house”… But… How prepared are we for this task? And what about our example?

May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook