Thursday, July 11, 2024
I have the privilege of being a group leader in CedarCreek Kids. Hanging out with those preschoolers is one of the highlights of my week. We sing “This Little Light of Mine,” practice the memory verse, and color a million pictures for their parents. I learn so much from their simple, whole-hearted faith.
Many people are in search of followers. We want others to pay attention to us and follow our directions. However, leadership is more than bossing people around. Leadership is about equipping and inspiring others to fulfill their purpose.
Titus 1:6-7
6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
In his letter, Paul told Titus to pick leaders who are humble, patient, gentle, and honest. Leaders who are faithful, both in their marriage and in other relationships. Leaders who demonstrate their qualities in their families, in the way they spend money, and their self-control.
Twice, Paul encouraged leaders to “live a blameless life.” No one is perfect, and Paul understood that; however, he wanted leaders to be honest about their mess ups and mistakes.
As James later wrote:
James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
One of my favorite ways to teach preschoolers is to share a story of a time when I messed up. They look at me, aghast that a group leader could ever make a bad choice. Then I tell them that God still loves me, no matter what. Their shock turns into excitement, that God could love them even when they mess up.
When leaders are honest, it gives other people the freedom to be honest as well. It allows others to see that mistakes are a part of life, and that our best course of action is to apologize to God and the people around us. We can show the world that God has taken our shame, leading those around us toward a life with Christ.
Questions:
Do you consider yourself a leader? Who are you in a position to lead? How can you be honest with them, sharing your personal struggles and shortcomings?
Next Steps:
Look for ways that you can lead other people, helping them fulfill their God-given purpose. Consider leading a Group at church, either with kids, students, or other adults.
Sign up for the Global Leadership Summit, a two-day event to help you learn how to be a better leader.
Prayer:
Father, being a leader is a lot of responsibility. Please show me how I can lead the people around me, pointing them toward you and your purpose for them. Give me the courage to be honest about my mistakes. I do not deserve your incredible grace! I love you. Amen.
Series Theme Verse
Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”:
Today’s post was written by Lydia Snyder, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.