Sadly we read of another example of the fall of leadership in large churches, and it seems perhaps the same trap created by themselves…believing as the anointed they are untouchable, and certainly by those of the flock. It also seems they think they are the head of the church, and in control of it.
Regardless of our roles in the body of Christ we are all equal before God, and accountable to Him, and each other, for our walk on earth. Christ is the head of the Church, only Him. He send the fire to expose the dross of our lives, and particularly in His church. For He desires a spotless Bride.
Walking with continuing and increasing humility before God is key, and in the fear of the Lord. We are all called to this place. Just consider these verses.
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Lessons for us all. As leaders we need to recognise our role is to serve, and not be served. Providing leadership and oversight for sure, not lording it over people, and recognising that many who we leading have gifts and skills we do not have, and our role is encourage and call these out, and see them all work together by the Spirit of God, according to the headship of Christ, in the will of our Heavenly Father. Saliently, also understanding that God can chose a small child to speak in to our lives.
And so, the humbling commands to those in leadership in Church:
1) Preach the kingdom of God
2) Declare the whole counsel of God and not just what pleases you (or others)
3) Know it is God’s church, which He purchased with His blood
4) The Holy Spirit makes His overseers of the church, that is God appointed and anointed not man
5) Focus on God and His word
6) Covet no one’s silver or gold
7) Be wary of the savage wolves seeking their own gain
8) Guard against those within seeking their own fame
9) Serve the Lord, and His bride
10) Trust the Holy Spirit…Christ is the head, not you
Acts 20:25-33
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
Kingdom Blog 