People who call themselves "leaders" need to realize they are held to a high standard than the average Jane of Joe on the street. What creates a leader in today's society? I was under the impression that a "leader" was someone of high moral integrity. A leader should be a person who does not go with the crowd, but has the courage (and I know this phrase is over-used) to stand up for what is right. At least that was the kind of person I viewed as a leader.
The problem in society is that there is no longer a compass for "right" behavior. What is right to me, may not be what is right for you. And if I say a word about what I believe is right and it does not line up with what you believe is right, I am accused of being "politically incorrect" and therefore my opinion is disregarded or considered unitelligent. Christians have a completely different view of what is right than the rest of the world. It is a truth that should not be any surprise. Still, I guess I am naive enough to believe that those who call themselves leaders all have a moral ground in which they stand. That must be too much to expect from the world in which I live.
It is evident that now more than ever the world truly, truly NEEDS Christian leaders. The world possesses leaders who are making a difference. The problem is, this difference is not drawing the world to Jesus Christ. People are sinful. Again, a truth that should not come as any surprise. I have seen over and over again the previous days that sin is everywhere. Mediocore Christians are not getting the job done.
The reason why many Christians do not rise up to lead, is that they are afraid of being persecuted, not necessarily physical persecution, but persecution in emotional and mental kinds. This is fear is not in vain. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Therefore, if I am being persecuted, does that not mean I am doing something right? In the Beattitudes, Christ tells us that those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, then they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Human persecution here on earth is such a small price to pay for dwelling with the God of the universe for all eternity.
James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The fear needs to leave the hearts of Christians when it comes to stepping out of the status-quo. If God is for us, who can be against us?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
do not grow weary. do not loose heart.
Inspiriation. Dictionary.com says "Inspiration" is : a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul. Inspiration comes daily in different forms. Sometimes, it is through direct coversation. Sometimes it is through a reading. Sometimes it is merely by the way a person behaves.
Encouragement. Dictionary.com gives synonyms for encouragement: praise, support, boost, lift, endorsement. Is it not just wonderful when you come across a person who is filled with the spiritual gift of encouragement? It can change your entire perspective on life.
I Am is fully aware of every circumstance in daily life. He knows when you need inspiration. My Jesus sends encouragement when discouragement comes.
Sometimes life brings complicated circumstances. Sometimes, God allows us to be placed in situations where we are challenged, tried, tested. What student looses knowledge when studying a trying subject? What student increases his or GPA by never allowing himself/herself to learn new things? The same goes true for the Christian walk. No Christian grows if he or she never is broken. Being broken is when new character qualities are formed. When a Christian is tested, his or her trust and faith in the Lord strenthens.
God has sent me both inspiration and encouragement this week as I am facing, what is, the hardest, most eye-opening, heart-breaking experience this Southern Baptist girl has ever experienced. Never underestimate the blessing of Christian friends.
Yesterday, I was blessed with a few hours of quiet time. As I called a dear, dear friend to catch up, God entered our conversation. I believe He guided each of us with words to say to give inspiration and encouragement to one another. At the end of our conversation, God layed on her heart to pray for me over the phone. She then led a prayer that obviously was filled with words straight from the Father. My friend prayed for specific situations I had shared with her. Never underestimate the power of prayer. God is teaching me not to pray as if already defeated, but to pray in hope.
God knew that today, my heart would be broken for those whom I am around. God sent my friend's phone call because He knew I would need an extra dose of spiritual support before the activities today held. And right before another hit came, He sent another dear friend my way who reminded me of Hebrews 12:3, "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
God has placed me where I am for a purpose. I pray He will give me strength to carry out His will. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is my Rock. No matter the viewpoints of those around me, I will not grow weary; I will not loose heart.
**my new blog site is "inspired" by sarah and caleb's blogs**
Encouragement. Dictionary.com gives synonyms for encouragement: praise, support, boost, lift, endorsement. Is it not just wonderful when you come across a person who is filled with the spiritual gift of encouragement? It can change your entire perspective on life.
I Am is fully aware of every circumstance in daily life. He knows when you need inspiration. My Jesus sends encouragement when discouragement comes.
Sometimes life brings complicated circumstances. Sometimes, God allows us to be placed in situations where we are challenged, tried, tested. What student looses knowledge when studying a trying subject? What student increases his or GPA by never allowing himself/herself to learn new things? The same goes true for the Christian walk. No Christian grows if he or she never is broken. Being broken is when new character qualities are formed. When a Christian is tested, his or her trust and faith in the Lord strenthens.
God has sent me both inspiration and encouragement this week as I am facing, what is, the hardest, most eye-opening, heart-breaking experience this Southern Baptist girl has ever experienced. Never underestimate the blessing of Christian friends.
Yesterday, I was blessed with a few hours of quiet time. As I called a dear, dear friend to catch up, God entered our conversation. I believe He guided each of us with words to say to give inspiration and encouragement to one another. At the end of our conversation, God layed on her heart to pray for me over the phone. She then led a prayer that obviously was filled with words straight from the Father. My friend prayed for specific situations I had shared with her. Never underestimate the power of prayer. God is teaching me not to pray as if already defeated, but to pray in hope.
God knew that today, my heart would be broken for those whom I am around. God sent my friend's phone call because He knew I would need an extra dose of spiritual support before the activities today held. And right before another hit came, He sent another dear friend my way who reminded me of Hebrews 12:3, "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
God has placed me where I am for a purpose. I pray He will give me strength to carry out His will. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is my Rock. No matter the viewpoints of those around me, I will not grow weary; I will not loose heart.
**my new blog site is "inspired" by sarah and caleb's blogs**
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
