In elementary school, teachers often pick “line leaders” for the day. Children will take on the responsibility of leading classmates where they should go, like to the gym or cafeteria and such. The line leaders take on a responsibility that affects where others end up. This is a very basic model of leaders in the church. In a school, the teacher is the leader of the classroom and picks leaders who will set a good example for others to follow. In a church, the pastor and staff choose members of the church to take leadership roles in the church. God chooses all of us to be leaders, though. Leaders of people to Him.
Recently, I admitted to my friend that I didn’t feel confident enough in my knowledge of the Bible to lead others to the Lord. Yes, I feel called to write about Him, but to actually talk to strangers or acquaintances that don’t know the Lord… and lead them to confess their sins and choose Jesus as their Savior? It scares me! I guess deep down for years I knew I should be doing that, but I wasn’t. If I was a line leader for heaven, would anyone get there because I led them there? Just being transparent.
After He rose from the grave, but before He went to heaven, Jesus gave the disciples a duty:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
He told them to go and make more disciples. This verse tells me that, as disciples, we, too, are responsible for what we have learned . What an honor! He trusts us to tell people the most important things they will ever hear, that God loves them and sent His son to die for them so we can live with Him in heaven. Everything we have learned from God’s word, pastors, Sunday school teachers, evangelists and so on, is not meant just for us; it is meant to be shared. We are called to be leaders, knowing that:
Being a leader is more about following God’s leading than being in charge.
Dear Lord,
You are just so, so good. We are so imperfect, but still You want to use us, as different as we are, with different gifts, to spread Your Word. We are willing to be better disciples if You will show us how. Please speak into our hearts what You will have us do to further Your kingdom. Whether at work or school , at a friend or family’s house, give us opportunities to tell others what we have been blessed to learn about You. Amen
GROWwork:
This section is devoted to following through with today’s devotional theme. I would suggest journaling what God shows you as we study His Word together. It can be a great tool for growth!
Write in your journal or, if you prefer, consider the following:
What opportunities might you have to tell others about Jesus this week? How can you(we) set an example of Him to others? How can your “leading by example” help in leading others to follow Him?
Glory in the Morning 