Leading others to the WORLD or CHRIST?

 

Maybe you get tired of me saying this, "I really love the FLOCK God has called me to serve." It has been such a blessing to join them in their ministry. Stephanie and I have felt so accepted and loved. Even after only 10 weeks we feel like SMDCOG is home. Yesterday was my third opportunity to serve at the FOOD PANTRY and CLOTHING CLOSET. I am constantly amazed at the dedication and heart of the workers that come and serve at this event once a month. I see the joy on the hearts of the people who come use this valuable resource. My heart weeps for these community members as they are struggling to even receive the basics of life. It is a blessing to be able to offer even a little bit of help. 

I had not written a blog for the last couple of days because of early morning hospital visits and today I was finishing my brief study of the book of HEBREWS and verse 17 caught my attention.

"Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon." ( Hebrews 13:17-19, NLT)

I was particularly thinking about SPIRITUAL LEADERS. Of course, I am ONE OF THOSE. But, Spiritual leadership takes many different forms and today I was thinking about those people who are DISCIPLING SOMEONE right now. It is such a weighty responsibility to lead someone spiritually. Fathers should be that person to their families.  Business owners should be the spiritual leaders of their businesses, Mom's are spiritual leaders of their children and probably many others as well. 

We all have some responsibility for SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP in this world that needs JESUS. I take my role as spiritual leader of SMDCOG with great humility. I take it very serious. It is so convicting to think I am charged with WATCHING OVER THE SOULS of the sheep in my flock. I can tell you that after 10 weeks I certainly serve with JOY and NOT SORROW. 

I praise GOD for those who have placed their trust in me to lead and guide them. 

"Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other." (1 Thessalonians 5:12,13, NLT)

This passage was not just directed to individual pastors. The leadership of a church, which is composed of MANY people beyond the pastor, should also be honored, respected, and loved. ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL LEADER? WHO ARE YOU LEADING? I am guessing whether you want to or NOT you are leading. Are you leading in the direction of JESUS CHRIST or toward the world?