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Articles
Leadership
I heard a sermon recently, where a comment was made that got me to thinking. The brother said, that Aleadership is influence. Now, it seems to me that in the church this is so very true. All of us in one degree or another can be leaders by the kind of influence that we wield. Now the way we gain and develop influence is by the kind of life and example we set. Jesus talks about influence with these words, AYe are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt.5:13-16. By the good works that we are involved in, the altitudes that we manifest, the choices that we make in life, the demeanor we show, the sacrifices that we make, etc., all these will determine the kind of influence that we will have. We shall be salt and light in the world we live in, and can be a leader of what being a Christian is all about. Now if we are half-hearted, lukewarm, compromising, hypocritical in our Christianity, do we hope to be very influential for good? People (and especially our children) can spot a person who is phoney as a three-dollar bill. Some want to lead, but go about it in the wrong way, in the kingdom of God. They will be self- promoting, forward, self-inviting, cocky in attitude and actions. Learn: the way up in the kingdom of God is the way down. Work on humbleness of spirit, patience in waiting one's turn to serve, working hard to do what one is able to do, striving to grow and develop as a Christian, busy seeking first the kingdom of God; these are the kinds of things to have in order to have influence in time and to be a leader. God (and brethren) will take note of such, and in time, one will be called to serve in the work of the Lord in various capacities, thus a leader will be Aborn. May God give us the grace and determination to live a life dedicated to Him!
