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Leadership

It is true that a nation cannot rise above its leadership. As we study the Old Testament this principle is abundantly clear. There is a clear correlation between the leadership of God's people and the faithfulness of those people. When leaders were faithful to God, God's people remained faithful and God blessed them. However, when those leaders turned from God because of lack of faith, weakness, ignorance, greed or whatever cause, God's people usually followed. The role of leaders in the church of the Lord is just as vital as good leadership was for the nation of Israel.

The Lord desires that elders be appointed "in every church" Acts 14:23. Christians are instructed to "obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls" Heb. 13:17. Preachers are told, "Be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity" 1 Tim. 4:12. Unless these who lead God's people strive to live the right kind of life, they cannot lead the Lord's people into the right kind of life.

If the family of God, the Lord's church, is to be strong, the leaders of His people must be loyal to Christ and His church. Jesus promised, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the crown of life" Rev. 2:10. This kind of faithfulness will "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" Mt. 6:33. Why? The apostle Paul explains, "Ye are not your own for ye were bought with a price" 1 Cor. 6:19-20. Jesus shed his blood to redeem us from sin (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rom. 5:8-10). Paul shows us that this same blood purchased the church (Acts 20:28). As Saul of Tarsus (Paul) persecuted the church, he persecuted Christ (Gal. 1:13; Acts 9:5) who purchased the church. Therefore, loyalty to Christ is manifested in loyalty to His church which he built and purchased with his blood.

Godly leadership does not just happen. Good leaders develop from solid planning, determination and preparation. Timothy was taught the sacred writings from a babe by his grandmother and his mother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15). This was also true of Moses (Ex. 3-4) and Samuel (1 Sam. 1) and others. These became good leaders of God's people by developing the attributes God desired. Good elders do not just happen. When we understand the qualifications of elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7;Tit. 1:5-11), we must realize the years of preparation and experience involved for these qualities to be developed. In any field of endeavor and especially in the Lord's church it is true that, "failing to prepare is preparing to fail."

God's leaders must be men of courage. Courage is not the equivalent of fearlessness. Rather courage is manifested when we, in spite of our fears, do that which is right with determination. When David opposed Goliath he said, "The God that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine" 1 Sam. 17:37. The apostle Paul writing from a Roman prison demonstrated great courage when he affirmed, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Phil. 4:13. When Joshua prepared to conquer the land of Canaan he was told to "be strong and of good courage." Josh. 1:7,7,9. Satan is described as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Pet. 5:8 He is a formidable foe. We too must be very courageous as we battle sin and error.

Those who lead God's people in the right way must be men of vision. "Where there is no vision the people perish" Prov. 29:18. Much of the work of good leaders bears fruit years down the line of time. There must be knowledge and vision to see that which is right and possible to accomplish. Patience, knowledge, wisdom and vision were attributes of the great leaders of God's people. Men like Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Paul and others are noteworthy examples.

Let us develop the attributes that will help us in leading the battle against sin and error. As God's warriors let us fight for truth and right. In doing so we can be victorious... "More than conquerors through him that loved us" Rom. 8:37. - Micky Galloway

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