Week 20: 14th May – 20th May (Leaders in a church)
Leaders in a church
Week 20: 14th May – 20th May
Bible passage to read: Joel 2
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1st Timothy 4:12
Jesus loves the Church and he died for it. The scripture even emphasized that he bought it with his blood. Therefore, Jesus can be referred to as the number one leader of the church. He is not only the hero of the Christian faith as assumed by many theologians but he is the author and the finisher of the faith.
And as a leader, Jesus performed responsibly. So much was his love for the church that he even came back to encourage the disciples after his death, resurrection, and ascension (John 21). He came to ask about the well-being of the church, directing them to the right path and he physically dined with them for the second time. What a leader indeed!
In contrast to Christ’s behaviour, the present day Christians are not meeting up to God’s expectations. The issue of bad leadership was of utmost concern to God with the Israelites in the times of Prophet Joel. God was so pushed to the extent that he declared his promise of judgment on the people of Israel and Judah (Joel 2:1). Naturally, God does not like anyone to perish but he will have no choice than to use the sword if his warnings are not taken seriously.
Responsibility is the measure of one’s ability to respond to situations. The situations around us in this present evil world are ungodly and not really encouraging for lovers of God. But that should not be a basis for our misbehaviour or misconducts. We are to live with dignity having in mind that we are the citizens of heaven dwelling on earth for a limited period of time. Whether we like it or not, we shall go home one day. It is, therefore, unreasonable for us to lose our senses within this short period of time.
God is counting on the leaders of the present day church to lead the people on the right path but it’s unfortunate that the leaders have let God down. The attitudes of our present day church leaders are quite laughable. Sometimes, one begins to imagine if we now have Shepherds or sheep eaters; Pastors or businessmen; general overseers or general controllers. So is the present sorry state of the church that Christ bought and purchased by his precious blood
And to worsen the whole matter, followers are not better when compared with wayward leaders. The leaders grow in corruption and the followers hide under the excuses of bad leadership in order to perpetuate evil. Will there be a tenable excuse before God on the day of judgment?
Every one of us is to act as responsible leaders and worthy role models serving as good examples to young faithful and pagans alike. After all, God called us all and he will judge us independently of our character. So, the attitude of a position holding elder/pastor/prophet in your church should not be an excuse for your sinful way of life.
God is expecting all his children to behave well and represent him at all times in every situation. We are to serve as worthy leaders in our offices, families, and church. We are to live well and make others understand that it’s possible to live godly. After all, we are sent into the thus world to lead by examples. We must not fail in our responsibilities.
Devotional Prayer Points
- Dear Lord, touch the hearts of all erring leaders of your church and make them return to you in Jesus name.
- Dear Lord, open the hearts of our leaders in the church to great ideas that will help in church building in Jesus name
- Father, please return us back to the glory we lost as a church in Jesus name
- Oh Lord, help me to see myself as a leader and give me the grace to lead others by good examples in Jesus name.
- Oh lord, help me to bring many people to you in Jesus name
Author: Evangelist Daniel Daramola
Author: CCC Handbook Weekly Devotional
CCC Seventh Year Parish 2
UK
