A TRUE LEADER

Philemon 1:4-7

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,

because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

The true Christian leader is like the true shepherd Christ always talked about. Yes, we have one True Shepherd who is Christ Himself, He yet has:

Ephesians 4:11-13

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Paul stands for us a good example of a true leader, listen:

Philemon 1:4

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,

One of the first responsibility of a true leader is prayers for the brethren/sheep, they are under your watch - there are things that must not happen under your watch!

Hebrews 13:17

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.

Care for the sheep was the instruction Christ gave to Peter/the disciples as the evidence of their love for Him:

John 21:15-17

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

The instruction was so important that it had to be repeated three times!

Now we must understand that we are all brethren, the leaders and the led, however there are also positions of authority, we must never take it into our head to take the place of Christ. Knowing that we will give account of those who are under our care, what manner of people ought we to be.

If church leaders understand this, will they have time to:

* allow comedians to take over the pulpit?

* play around with politicians for monetary benefit?

* be economical with the truth, knowing that the time is short?

* fleece the sheep they ought to take care of?

* entangled with scandals that will force them to return to the bondage they were set free from and are to keep the flock from?

* compete with other sheep folds?

* Aquiring excess worldly wealth and treasures as if they will live forever?

* as if they are accountable to no one?

* be irresponsible leaders at home?

* set wrong examples?

* seek for relevance?

The list goes on and on . . .

Are we keeping our gates, are we watching, or are we sleeping?

We must be awake and alert. Christian leadership is not a play, a gamble or politics.

It is life.

You that follow, listen, you are also leading in your own capacity, even if it is your children, siblings, friends or colleagues the child of God is a lamp set on a hill.

Hello, leader or no leader, no one will stand for you when we come to give account to Christ, yes, the leaders will account for themselves and all put into their hands, - YOU, no matter who you are, will also account for yourself and what was put into your hands.

See the testimony of Philemon:

Philemon 1:5,7

because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

What is your testimony?

Wake UP!

Lord help us.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@ the watcher