Date: 1st May, 2018 (Workers Day).
Exhortation: Leading By Example
Text: Jude: 1:3, Phil.2:1-5, 3:16, Jn13:4-17.
To lead the people of God effectively, we have to model our leadership after Christ's pattern. Our TALKING does not carry much weight until we show the followers (by example) our DOING. Jesus always taught His disciples, leadership by example - Jn13:4-7, 12-17. Here, Jesus gave them an example to follow.
Jesus used the feet washing exercise as a double-edged concept:
One was an initiation for them to be an authority carrier as well as a cleansing exercise that initiated them into the realm of His holiness and power; it was to impact their ministry with His inner potential. Only Judas, who was to betray Him, was not given this authority- Jn13:4-12. The other was to teach His disciples exemplary leadership- Jn13:12-17; here again, only Judas, who had made up His mind to betray Him, was exempted -Jn13:18-26.
As a pastor or departmental leader, if you want your workers, followers/members to be punctual in church meetings, if you want them to be diligent, then you as the pastor/leader must show them what these virtues mean, by example.
If you want your followers/members to relate with you or talk about you with utmost respect, not only in your presence, but also in your absence, then you have to show them by example, in your relationship with your own leader or overseer. The way you relate with your own direct leader, the way you talk or do things, whether he is present or not, sends signals to your followers, members or workers, about how they should relate with you. Virtues beget virtues; if they don't see you lay a good example in this area, then don't expect such from them. Some show of disrespect (not all) to you as a leader, is due to what they see you (as a pastor) do to your own leader or overseer. This would eventually jeopardize our corporate leadership in the ministry as a whole. Hear the words of Jesus Himself:
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" - Matt.7:12, ".. Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" -Matt12:25.
Our collective leadership in the church/ministry in general, is occasioned and made effective by all ministers when we mind the same thing, talk/say the same thing (may be in different ways) and do the same thing per time. This tells the entire fellowship how united and strong our collective leadership is. Matt12:25, 1Cor.1:10, Phil.3:16, 2:1-5.
Our Values. Our Doctrine.
We must not devalue the church in any way, for whatever reason. We must say the same thing in line with the scriptures, irrespective of our personal interest. Don't send wrong signals the congregation in whatever you say or do; it may incite bad reaction from them.
Be honest in your words and actions- Rom12:16-17. Do not try to play smart; the congregation and members see everything. Some pretend they don't see it while others come out boldly to challenge such actions!
We should be sure of what we tell our followers; whatever you are not sure of, leave a safe margin for learning, research and findings. Don't conclude on a matter until you have found out what the Bible has to say about it or you have prayed through to really know the mind of God on it. There is a difference between church doctrine and the Bible although, ideally, the former should be the offspring of the latter.
For instance, issues of dressing, wearing of jewelry, and such like, should be treated more as matters of the scriptures (and with convincing references) rather than matters of doctrines. Read, compare and contrast the following references with most church doctrines today: 1Pet.3:3-5, Gen.24:50-53, 1Tim.2:1,9 [Dressing for prayer meetings/fellowships should not be like party dressing. And for women, emphasis should be more on inner beauty of godliness and sobriety than outward adorning with gold or costly attire]. Rom.8:14, Jn14:26.
When it affects the issue of dressing or other areas of Christian living, MODESTY is the key word. Women who like to show off gorgeousness in dressing and spend too much of their resources on it, should rather do more of good works and put on godliness as a mark of inner beauty. One of the common references commonly quoted here is 1Pet3:3-5,
1"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands".
Our concern here is why "wearing of gold" is singled out and considered unchristian or sinful whereas the other items mentioned in the same context "plating the hair...putting on of apprel" are upheld as normal. It is therefore pertinent to understand that the Bible is more concerned about the moral implication of what we wear as against mere religious sentiments. After all, those who do not wear gold/earrings/necklace do put on gold wristwatches, plait their hair with loads of attachment, have gold attachments on their shoes, bags and cloths - this is either hypocrisy or ignorance!
However, it is our responsibility to teach modesty and train our members how to relate with the Holy Spirit on any aspect of their lives- Spiritual, marital, Business, and what have you?
Leadership Quotes
,a. "You don't lead people by what you say to them; you lead them by what they see you do..." - Israelmore Ayivor.
b. "Leadership is an art expressed by the demonstration of characters worthy of imitation, emulation and inspiration. It is neither a title nor a position" - Israel more A.
c. "Practise what you preach; it is the best way to teach (and make people learn)" - Pastor Alonge M.
d. "The leaders' job is to show the way. The bottom line is that you can't tell anything about the condition of the way if you've not travelled on it yourself" - Israelmore A.
e. "...Anyone who has no example to show may not lead better" -Israelmore A.
f. "Leadership crisis erupt when people who have not learnt how to obey simple instructions are given the privilege to give commands- Leaders are experienced servants" - Israelmore A.
g. What I read [or what I'm told] I (may) forget; but what I see I can never forget" -Anonymous.
h. "It is easier for followers to read their leaders more than they read leadership books(2Cor.3:2)" - Pastor Alonge Moses.
