Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16 Leadership is a privilege that not too many people have the opportunity to experience. Being thrust into a leadership position often makes many feel as if theyve earned it and that they can do whatever they want because they are the leader. What they dont realize, though, is that leadership is a bigger responsibility than simply calling the shots. Paul, considered one of the greatest leaders of the faith, warned Timothy of a specific leadership responsibility that he had as a leader of the church in Philippi. It is a responsibility that every leader has, whether as a church leader, a father, a community leader, a manager, or the CEO of a company. All leaders have to keep a close watch on how they live and what they are teaching others through it. Whatever they say or do is a reflection of what they believe to be right according to the values that his community or organization has embraced. Leaders embody the groups beliefs and ideals whether they like it or not. As the overseer of the church in Philippi, Timothy had a responsibility to his people to keep a close watch on his life and lifestyle, as well as what he taught. He had to walk the talk, so to speak and to practice what he preached. His teaching must be based on sound doctrine but it must be accompanied by sound living just the same. Leaders who fail to do so lose the respect that comes with the position that they have. Paul commanded Timothy to look after himself because too many leaders forget about their own walk while thinking about the welfare of others. Though leadership calls for sacrificial giving of oneself, we have to keep watch over ourselves just as diligently as we watch over others. Otherwise, we might find our walk farther from the gospel than those we lead. Therefore, let us keep watch and be careful with how we conduct ourselves before others because we have a calling that requires us to be responsible for the lives of many others. As a Christian who was called into leadership, check your life and lifestyle that it reflects the one which the Lord Jesus gave you as an example. Lead people with grace and humility. Speak to them with care and compassion. Serve them as Christ served the church. Always remember that your leadership comes from the Lord Jesus Christ to whom you will someday give an account.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 10:07:37 +0000