Leader

I attended a meeting today where Dr. Bob Laurent the Vice President for College Relations Professor of Religion and Bible at Bethel College in Mishawaka Indiana was speaking. He pointed out these ten things to help us become better leaders.

1. Have a mind to suffer
2. Be honest
3. Don't be a people pleaser
4. Don't be greedy
5. Be more childlike
6. Have sensitivity for others
7. Have genuine love for others
8. Leaders give their life away
9. Have a faith that works
10. Encourage others

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NIV copyright 2010)

1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

What would happen today if we became the leaders that God wants us to be? What would happen today if we followed the words of Paul and put these 10 things into practice? What would happen today if we had a faith that works? What would happen today if we stood together as men of God and lead those that don't know Him to His Word?

What would happen today...?
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