Sadly, there seems to be quite a disconnect today between biblical leadership and the standard of the Word of God. There have been many leaders raised up because of their passion, their zeal, their talents...but because of their lack of depth...their brightness fades and ultimately they crash...taking along with them those that were trailing behind.
As a church, we have put too much importance on those that have acquired followings...secured book deals...accumulated podcasts....and amassed a mega-church. But where has that left us. Do we truly have leaders? Those that will take us into these perilous times and withstand the heat of persecution? Do we have those that will be steadfast in the fury of relativism and uphold the absolute truth of the Gospel? Leaders that remain unwavering n
ot tossed back and forth by the waves...or blown here and there by every wind of teaching and the cunning craftiness? Are we following leaders that have scorned the world and sacrificially stayed true to the message of the cross?
Remember those who led you...who spoke the Word of God to you...
and considering the result of their conduct...imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7
Spoke the Word of God to you...
First and foremost...the Word of God is essential to leadership. We can come up with our clever one-liners...or our experiential psychology. But it is the Word of God that needs to be spoken over this hurting world. The bookstore has lined it's shelves with helpful theology books that keep our minds thinking and even at times our hearts convicted...but they are NOT the inspired Word. They cannot pierce between bone and marrow...they are not alive...judging the intentions of our hearts. Too often, our leaders reach for the nearest book to propel us forward...to kindle a flame beneath us. But these "book" studies are no substitute for the power that is held in God's spoken Word.
A true leader will lead by presenting the Bible...in it's inerrant entirety. In every situation...every circumstance...every trial. A true leader will exhort us to examine the Word for ourselves...holding us accountable to the standard found therein. A true leader will speak the Word of God to us.
considering the result of their conduct...
There have been quite a few prominent Christian leaders in the headlines lately...and not because their ministries are prospering...or their churches growing. No, unfortunately, it is because they have fallen...hard. Their lives being in the spotlight draw much attention when they do not follow the practices they preach. Purity. Fidelity. Integrity.
As a church, we have come to "excuse" sinful behavior. Disclaiming the standard by stating that "no one is perfect"...thus allowing the role of pastor...teacher...leader to be on par with those they are leading. But aren't we called to hold those that assume this position to a more higher standard? Didn't James tell us that it
is a role that you should think seriously about before entering into?
A true leader will be one that lives his life in transparency before the Lord. Not because he is perfect...but because he has nothing to be ashamed of. Because he takes his role seriously. Because he will say as Paul did,
Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.
There is much at stake here. A church that is faltering and flickering in her influence around her...needs strong leaders that daily say no to the temptations of the flesh. Leaders that live out their marriages...parenting...and leading in such a way that those around them are exhorted to do the same. Leaders that cause us to want to grow more...be more...learn more. Leaders that point us to Christ...the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
imitate their faith...
To imitate means to model, emulate, copy. How can we copy something that is non-existent? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith should be the driving force of our churches. Radical faith that propels us forward to evangelize...sacrificially give...minister to the broken...impact the landscape of our culture. But it seems at times, that some of the leaders of today are content with church attendance...tithe...and a smattering of Biblical truth. We have programs that keep us busy...activities that "plug" us in with each other...but faith? Is it essential to the lives we are living? Is it called upon daily...as necessary to us as the air we breath?
A true leader lives his life in such a way it can only be explained by faith and the Spirit of God. One who is not satisfied with the routine and "sameness" of ministry...but seeks the Spirit to lead and guide in every aspect. A true leader incorporates faith into his marriage...his home...his daily application of Scripture. Taking God at His Word and boldly claiming the truth of His promises.
Biblical leadership.
There are those around us that truly exemplify this standard of leadership. But it has come at great cost...sacrifice...surrender. So remember those who led you. Pray for them. Encourage them. Be thankful for them. And while we all might not be pastors of a church or leaders of a ministry...we all have a sphere of influence that look to us as a leader. Live out this biblical leadership. Choose the standard of God's Word as your measuring rod. Hold your own self to that level and compromise not.
