We went to church today and it got me thinking about leadership again and God's Kingdom. I've been thinking about Hebrew 13:7: "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith." NASB. In the Message it reads this way: "Appreciate you pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all."
I like this guideline that scripture has given me, it is telling me to look at my leaders and the way they live. Are they faithful? faithful to each other, to their followers? Are they faithful to God? Are they faithful to their co-workers and in their work? Are they truthful? Do I want to imitate the way they live?
If I am a leader for His Kingdom, I must be faithful in all these ways. Can I live in such a way that I reflect His Kingdom? Can I reflect His Kingdom on earth? Can I live in such a way that others want to imitate me? Can I align my life with His Kingdom so closely that it truthfully reflects His image of grace, mercy and forgiveness?
I think these are really hard things to do, especially when there has been hurt and pain. And, when there is sin. In church today he pointed out the very thing that Jesus has been telling me every morning: "Focus on me, Bethany!" I keep hearing Jesus tell me this and I know it's the only way to get over the hurt and the pain. Every day He says it again, "Focus on me"
I was going over my journal this morning and reading what I hear Him telling me, and sure enough there it was, "focus on me, dear one, I am the solution, I am the way, I will not leave you or forsake you."
Say That Again, Jesus, you are bringing me through a process of learning more about your Kingdom. You are molding me into a women that follows you and reflects you. I confess to You, Jesus, I do not always reflect you as clearly as I desire, please help me!
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Last November, I found myself sitting at Living Proof Life, tears pouring down my face, and labored breath. I've known I've been called to speak, teach, write for as long as I can remember. But I've also felt that hasn't been an acceptable calling to many. It sounds like my year has been a bit different from yours, though. I've been sitting here catching up on your blog posts and feeling so much sadness for what you may have been through...and much mystery as to what is to come. I'd love to get together some time.
ReplyDeleteJesus keeps saying that to me, too, "Focus on me". I'm trying to do that because my life goes so much better when I do.
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