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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 7, NUMBER 8, FEBRUARY 25, 2007 LEADING
LIKE HIM…. * The following article was written to be part of a special issue of Biblical Insights that will be published in April. The theme of that issue will be The Trials and Triumphs of Paul. *
The greatest qualities of leadership manifest themselves in the crucible of conflict and controversy. The Thessalonians were given the opportunity to witness and benefit from the leadership of Paul in difficult circumstances. Acts 17:1-9 details Paul’s work in the city of Thessalonica and tells of certain unbelieving Jews, moved by jealousy, instigating an uprising. They made the following charge against Paul and his traveling companions in verse 8, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” In the second chapter of the first Thessalonian letter, Paul reminded the brethren of his conduct when he had been among them. Verses 1-12 contain valuable lessons for us all. “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we have suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit” (vs. 1-3). A true leader does not operate in secret and the result of his efforts is apparent. In spite of a life of service that involved tremendous physical suffering and danger, Paul had continued to wield the only weapon he used in “turning the world upside down,” the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as he had done everywhere the opportunity presented itself, Paul preached the Gospel in Thessalonica with boldness born out of his trust in God. He would not allow opposition to silence him for he was presenting the simple, powerful truths of the Gospel. A true leader in the service of God does not engage in verbal gymnastics and tricks of semantics. He presents the truth in as clear a manner as possible. I do not believe that those who heard Paul came away failing to understand where he stood on any gospel related issue. “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ” (vs. 4-6). What motivates a leader in the cause of Christ? What motivated Paul? He had been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” Albert Barnes, in Barnes Notes On The New Testament, represented the point Paul was making in the first clause of verse 4 in this way, “Since there had been committed to us an office so high and holy, and so much demanding sincerity, fidelity, and honesty, we endeavored to act in all respects in conformity to the trust reposed in us.” Oh, that we all would realize this! Being a leader for Christ is about service, and as far as being pleasing is concerned; the One we must strive to please is God. The man who seeks the praise of men is not mature enough to be a leader. The Bible speaks of those who would tickle the ears of their hearers, but such serve Satan and not the ones to whom they speak, and certainly not God. “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God” (vs. 7-9). Having mentioned methods that he did not use among them, Paul now talks about the approach that he used. He was “gentle.” Please do not mistake that for timidity. Gentleness is a “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:23), and Paul’s use of the word here reminds me of his statement to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” A leader in the cause of Christ must have genuine affection for those he leads. So strong was Paul’s affection for these people that he was willing to impart to them the gospel – which is in itself strong proof of love – but he was willing to do it even when it meant danger to himself. A true leader will do what is best and most needful in a particular situation. As Paul concluded his comments related to his conduct in verses 10-12, what he said must be embraced by leaders in the church today. Our conduct must be holy, just, and blameless. How can we lead if our conduct brings discredit or dishonor to the cause of Christ? The answer is “We can not,” anymore than a father can lead his children if his conduct does not match what he says. Greg Litmer LIGHT And there is Light! It came to us in a world of decay, Because of the Lord and His might! Men schemed and did evil in the night, But the Son exposed them as in day, And there is Light! The Light gives us sight, And He has shown us the way, Because of the Lord and His might! The Son in His glory shines bright, He chases the dark away, And there is Light! It is the time to be contrite, And not by sin be swayed, Because of the Lord and His might! It was once all night, And the world was dimmed and gray, But there is Light, because of the Lord and His might!
Rick Curtis
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