Weekly Thought – August 16, 2016
Fred finished his work on earth at 9:15am on August 17, 2007. He left a legacy of love, trust, and wisdom. He greatly appreciated Andre Crouch’s gospel song Through It All. As he completed his time here, his last words were “I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God.”
A Leader’s Integrity
As I think about spiritual leadership, I am convinced the key is the Holy Spirit’s energizing and directing the leader’s uniqueness and giving him or her a vision that creates passion. I have never known a lazy or confused leader who was clearly passionate. Oat Willie of Austin, Texas, charged “Onward Through the Fog.” It works for cartoon characters, but fails miserably as a leadership mantra.
For years, I have been writing articles targeted to Christian leaders. I have spoken to groups, large and small. I realize that it is difficult to be a Christian leader in an almost totally secular society whose renewed interest in spirituality is non-biblical Christian leaders have lost much of the respect they once enjoyed.
Burnout is increasing. Depression is almost epidemic. Stress is increasing. Immorality and divorce are more prominent. Short tenure is too much the rule, rather than the exception. More and more preachers are faced with the demand to entertain and excite.
Could a major part of this problem be that leaders have lost their vital identification with the Lord? Have they become convinced they work for the church rather than for God? Are they surrendering their spiritual authority to the church board?
Some in Christian leadership are misplaced. Remember the farmer who read a “GP” in the clouds, immediately left the fields and headed for the pulpit? After miserably failing, the word came down from above, “Farmer Brown, “GP” meant go plow, not go preach! Now get to it!”
Leaders who are not endowed with gifts energized by the Spirit become easy prey to human methodology opening themselves to the temptations of power, prestige, and money. Christian leaders should always remember that theirs is a calling, not a career… that it’s all about stewardship, not ownership.
This week think about: 1) How am I encouraging my Christian leaders to grow in their calling? 2) What do I need this week to reignite the passion for my work? 3) Who should I be praying for in their leadership?
Wisdom from the Word: “Leaders who are not endowed with gifts energized by the Spirit become easy prey to human methodology, opening themselves to the temptations of power, prestige, and money.”
Wisdom from the Word: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.” (Titus 2:7 NET Bible)