Christian/Church
leadership is a high and holy calling from God.
If a spiritual leader does not have this vertical dimension to the call,
he/she will either fail to thrive or will fail to survive. That's why the apostle Paul revealed to the
Colossian Christians of his generation, and the contemporary Christians of our
generation, what keeps him motivated… Colossians
1:28-29, “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all
wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect [mature] in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his
energy, which so powerfully works in me.” NIV
Paul experienced an
incredible amount of resistance from the world without, yet he persevered. Paul weathered a fair amount of resistance
from within the church, yet he remained hopeful. His zeal to reach lost people was not
extinguished. His love for his brothers
and sisters in the family of God was unfailing.
He maintained a positive
vision – ‘… that we may present everyone mature in Christ.’
He maintained a strong
work ethic - ‘To this end I labor…’
He maintained a dependency
on Christ - ‘… struggling with all his energy.’
He maintained a confident
spirit - ‘… which so powerfully works in me.’
Pray with me… Father
God, renew in all who are called to lay leadership and vocational leadership in
the church for which Jesus died, a double portion of the spirit of Paul. Keep us from all unworthy or superficial
motives for Christian leadership. We
offer up all we are and ever hope to be to You.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
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