Leadership: Experienced

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

All groups need experienced leadership. Without it, we’re cruising for a bruising: 'If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit' (Matthew 15:14).

Such was the state of ancient Israel, when Jesus, the Christ, came to the rescue.*

Now, when Christians feel called to lead Christians, many train at Christian colleges. After they study, pass, and graduate, most take low-level jobs at big churches or high-level jobs at smaller churches.

What factors help these grads get good placement?

  • Are they excellent, persuasive speakers?

  • Are they attractive with heart-warming smiles?

  • Are religious leaders endorsing them?

These judgment criteria are faulty! Each is worldly, manmade, and man-given. Jesus (and Paul) possessed none of these things!

Impressionable congregations can’t stand on the fault lines of bad leadership. At some point, life's quakes will tear them apart.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

In war, wise captains promote the proven: soldiers whose worth becomes clear under fire!

As the Word says, while on Earth, we’re at war, and we’re blessed to serve the wisest Captain. His policy of testing is proven:

'For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined' (Psalm 66:10).

  • 'God tested Abraham' (Genesis 22:1). He tested Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.**

  • King David said: 'You have tested my heart' (Psalm 17:3).

  • He tested Job: 'When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold' (Job 23:10).

  • He tested Jesus: 'Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness' (Mark 1:12).

Without a doubt, WE are being tested!

'That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:7).

Walking voluntarily into fire seems risky and counterintuitive, but if it’s from God, do it anyway!

'For our God is a consuming Fire' (Hebrews 12:29).

What could He be “consuming”? Our rubbish! What is He leaving in its place? His shine.

Leadership: Experienced (Part 34)

* Although Israel was controlled by Rome, the Jews were allowed to govern themselves in smaller matters of culture and religion... unless it interfered with the peace and taxes Rome demanded. But not only were their kings corrupt, so, too, were their spiritual leaders. See Matthew 23: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2023&version=NKJV

** 'The Word of the Lord tested him' (Psalm 105:19).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban