Devotional Day 13: Being a Leader

• Titus 1:7-13 : "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers..."
• 1 Timothy 3:13 : "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
• God calls all of us to be a leader in our own way. As followers of Christ, we should be leaders by example and council to help those around us rather than followers.

     In the verse from titus stated above it lists many qualities that a leader should display and names some of the things a leader shouldn't be as well! The verse itself is pretty self explanatory. A leader is patient and not quick to anger. They are humble rather than self absorbed or arrogant. Another important thing is that leaders should be generous, never greedy. They must be level headed and not jump to violence as their only solution for things. Its important that leaders are approachable! People will look to leaders to shine God's light and inspire them. Leaders favor good over evil, obviously. They believe in doing what's right and standing up for those beliefs. A leader is disciplined and self-controlled meaning they use discernment to make sound decisions however difficult they may be. You have to be able to trust your leaders in this world! And you have to trust that they are justly translating God's Word from their heart to help others and to witness. Their reasons for being a leader must be selfless! I think this verse really brings up a powerful point. Not only must a leader give good instruction to others, but they must also be able to stand up for what the say! They must not be afraid to stand up to those who would try and sabotage the good works of God through them. Something that isn't mentioned in this verse that I think is important is something I've brought up before: a leader has to be able to look past the sin into a person's soul separating the sin from the person and realizing that we are all children of God some of us just don't know it.

     Being a strong spiritual, Christian leader can also strengthen your walk with Christ. When teaching and translating the Word to others we often learn things ourselves! We realize and think about things we may not have before. Being a leader holds you accountable to the Godly character people see in you, which is a good thing. That helps when you think of giving into temptation. All you have to do is remember the people you've preached God's Word to, and realize how much they look up to you for guidance. Follow the Word you teach to others and trust that God is impressing on you exactly what you need to say! We are all leaders in our own way. We all have the capability of helping one another as a Christ following fellowship of people, of children of God.

                                                                          Questions/Application

• How are you a leader? What about people in your family? Friends?
• What special gifts has God given you that you can use to witness to others?
• What is the biggest temptation for you and what helps you resist that temptation?