All day long I have been hearing, “Lead by example.” The body of Christ is falling because leadership is failing. We have to be careful of what we ask people to follow when they are under our leadership. Everyone is not strong enough to handle being in certain atmospheres or doing certain activities because of what they came out of.
1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
There are certain liberties in life that we are free to partake in, but if it causes our brother or sister to fall, we should abstain doing it. Here is an example. Just because you don’t see anything wrong with certain types of music, if you see a new christian has been delivered from the club and secular music, why would you invite them to a gathering with the drinking and smoking they just came out of? We should be setting an example they can follow. if you claim the name of Jesus and are a leader, you need to come out too.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ enough to raise up the standard of holiness in your life? When they look at your life, do they see Jesus in you, or do you look just like the world? is your life consistent enough that the newest babe in Christ knows you are saved and being sanctified daily? If no one else is living holy, can they count on you to step up, stand out, and be a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service to God?
Don’t get me wrong, leading by example doesn’t mean being perfect. But there is clearly a difference between making a mistake and living in sin. So, if you decide to go astray, do us all a favor and don’t take God’s people on the wrong path with you. Just like a responsible parent looks for a caregiver to keep an eye on the babies while she is out playing, drop those babes off to a church that you know is preaching, teaching, and living the truth. Send them to someone who will nurture them and help them grow spiritually. If you can’t be the example, have a seat or two and let God work on you. We all can fall prey to the tactics of the enemy and our flesh, but we have a responsibility not only to God but to the people who we are accountable for.
1 pet 5:2-3 NLT Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
If you make a mistake as all leaders will, then ask forgiveness, reconcile what was broken, and learn from it. What better way to show humility than a leader repenting before God and the church. There is so much pride in leadership that people don’t see true repentance anymore. People are angry and holding grudges because that is what is being taught through the examples. This is the time for leaders to live what they are preaching. It is time to live holy and stop compromising. The world needs to see a difference, even if there is only one person who is willing to take a stand. Be that one! Be that difference! Be that leader!
Be encouraged and make a difference,
T Brown
In the natural, we have stepped into a season of spring. What is meant to bloom every year has started greening. A little life is appearing in what looked seemed to be dead. Some are planting newness, which will need to be cultivated until it buds. That explains the natural transition, but in the spiritual realm, what season are you in? Is it your season to plant, to bloom, to shed off the old, or to rest in the winter cold and wait for your spring season to come around?
Women in the Waiting 