Leaders God Will Use

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 50
NT: Romans 4
W&W: Psalm 78.56-64

Today’s Reflection:

In our last installment on the covenant between pastor and people, I refer again to Dr. Van Nest’s observation on the day of our installation: “In every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to.” As the new church board was installed, Dr. Van Nest charged them:

THE COVENANT AGREEMENT OF THE CHURCH BOARD:

To the newly elected Board Members: I want to give you this challenge, as you begin this journey together… in every thing that you do, put the kingdom of God first. In every decision you make, put the kingdom of God first. Let the kingdom of God be more important to you than your own desires, your own dreams, and your own opinions--put the kingdom of God first. And if you will do that as the leaders of this church, God will do incredible things in you and through you. God will do incredible thing in this place and in this community.

Do you believe that? And, do you accept that challenge to keep in step with God’s spirit, and put His Kingdom first in all things? If so, say we will.

As the church board of Bethel Church of the Nazarene agreed to do that very thing, to put the Kingdom of God first, they became leaders that God will use.

When we put aside our own agendas and our own programs, we allow God’s purposes to be formed in our hearts and minds. It is not automatic, nor is it easy, for a Christian to do. We must be continuously “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12.2). As long as we insist on our desires, dreams and opinions, we will use our energy in selfish ways. But, as we surrender our preferences for the good of the Kingdom, the Holy Spirit will then have “vessels fit for the Master’s use.”

Will you be a leader God can use? Let’s all be that together!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.