Leadership: Above Reproach

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9 (NKJV)

A church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. 

1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT)

Reproach is contempt, disgrace, shame, or stain. For a Christian to be above reproach, cleansing by Jesus is the only way. Also consider:

God is the Epitome of above:

'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways' (Isaiah 55:9).

Without His lift, we have no chance at all… unless we use Satan’s elevator. He’s got wings and the strength to lift leaders. But remember: his highs will never last. Anyone he puffs up will disappear. 

'Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow' (Psalm 144:4).

Consider a worldly analogy: Pride rises like a helium balloon. When it’s released, the balloon makes a show... until no one can see it anymore–because it falls flat somewhere down the line. 

' 'Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,' declares the Lord' (Obadiah 1:4).

All “Christian” leaders who rise without God are destined for a painful, public fall. Not only is Christ misrepresented, but their followers are also misled.

Church congregations are foolish to choose pastors based on common worldly standards, including:

  1. Attractive appearance. (Jesus wasn't).

  2. Excellent speakers. (Moses and Paul weren't).

  3. Impressive educational degrees. (Christ’s leading disciples were fishermen).

  4. Work history or family background. (Rahab was a harlot. Ruth was a Moabitess. Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons. Paul was a Christian persecutor. Matthew and Zacchaeus were tax collectors.)

  5. Insider connections or appointments. (Jesus rebuked all forms of elitism.)

Instead, Christians should study and embrace God's qualifications for leadership…

  • Which are fully detailed in the Bible.

  • Amazingly exampled by Jesus,

  • And shared by every rising star for God.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’re among God's surprising new leaders. Your qualifications as performers may seem questionable to some Christians. But that NEWNESS is S.O.P. for God.

Even so, keep PRACTICING holiness and PURSUING the righteousness of Christ. Staying above reproach requires practice, as well as confession and repentance…

Because EVERY leader WILL make mistakes. It’s how we handle them that matters most.

Leadership: Above Reproach (Part 29)

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 they’re often misinterpreted out of context. 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