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Great Responsibility

    I have talked about how deciding to follow Jesus is a sacrifice of our time, resources, relationships and talents among other things. It is not something we can just do on the side of our "real" lives, it IS our life! This fact is even more magnified as a leader in the church.

    When you are put into a leadership position by the church or in your community, there is an even greater weight and responsibility that comes with it. Being a leader is not about getting attention and praise and telling everyone what to do. It is a very real commitment beyond just being a disciple.

    As a leader, you are put in a position where others are going to follow you. There will always be eyes looking to you for an example and guide. Whereas you may have "gotten away" (gone unnoticed) with your little sinful habits before, now someone is bound to notice! Being a leader brings a great number of people into your downfalls. This is why as leaders it is even more crucial for us to focus on Jesus all the time, always seeking His guidance and mercy.

1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (NIV)

 Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (ESV)
Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. (NIV)

    When you are set apart by the Lord to lead, there is a lot of work that comes with it. Leading is servanthood. You don't get to call out orders and take watch. In fact, a true leader will be serving the most! Jesus was a servant of servants. If we want to be influential for Jesus in the Kingdom, we ought to lower ourselves as He did and become servants to those around us.

Luke 22:27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (ESV)

 Philippians 2:7 But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (ESV)

     Today I want to remind you that if your heart is desiring more leadership, it is not an easy task. It is something to be taken very seriously. You are held to a different standard, even by God. To lead His people is a task that can only be done in complete dependence on Him. If you feel called into leadership, lower yourself and humble your heart. Never tire of combating sin in your own life so that you may be more perfected in His likeness. Let others follow you as you follow Him.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (NIV)





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