LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE 1
2 NOW FOR THE HOUSE OF MY GOD I [David] HAVE PREPARED WITH ALL MY MIGHT: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance.
3 MOREOVER, BECAUSE I HAVE SET MY AFFECTION ON THE HOUSE OF MY GOD, I HAVE GIVEN TO THE HOUSE OF MY GOD, OVER AND ABOVE ALL THAT I HAVE PREPARED FOR THE HOLY HOUSE, MY OWN SPECIAL TREASURE OF GOLD AND SILVER:
4 three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses;
5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. WHO THEN IS WILLING TO CONSECRATE HIMSELF THIS DAY TO THE LORD?”
6 THEN THE LEADERS OF THE FATHERS' HOUSES, LEADERS OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL, THE CAPTAINS OF THOUSANDS AND OF HUNDREDS, WITH THE OFFICERS OVER THE KING'S WORK, OFFERED WILLINGLY."
1 Chronicles 29:2-6 (NKJV)
• David gave all he had for the preparation of the Temple to be built for God, even when he would not be around at the time (1 Chronicles 29:3-5).
- The Heart with which David gave enthuses; inspires and stimulates, others to give as well (1 Chronicles 29:6).
- In whatever level of leadership you find yourself, endeavour to set the standard for those who are following you, through your character; the way and manner you do things (1 Peter 5:3).
- A ministry leader who wants his or her people to give would have to be first of all a Giver by himself or herself (1 Chronicles 29:3-5).
- Whatever you would want others to do would have to be done by you first, for them to learn from it and follow suit.
- David had this to say:
"MOREOVER, BECAUSE I HAVE SET MY AFFECTION ON THE HOUSE OF MY GOD, I HAVE GIVEN TO THE HOUSE OF MY GOD, OVER AND ABOVE ALL THAT I HAVE PREPARED FOR THE HOLY HOUSE, MY OWN SPECIAL TREASURE OF GOLD AND SILVER . . . . WHO THEN IS WILLING TO CONSECRATE HIMSELF THIS DAY TO THE LORD?” . . . LEADERS OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL . . . OFFERED WILLINGLY" (1 Chronicles 29:3,5,6 NKJV). - If he, David, as the king did not give, but asking the people to give, the response would not have been encouraging. Thus, whatever you wanted the people under your leadership to do, you have to do it first.
• It is not about Giving alone, but in all things about Christian living.
- If you as a ministry leader wanted your people to live in holiness, you have got to do that first (1 Peter 1:15,16). If you wanted them to pray, you have got to do it first. Name it, whatsoever, you have got to be the first to practice It.
- Also, as a leader, whatever you are not doing or practicing, do not teach others to do it. That would amount to hypocrisy. Whatever you wanted to teach others must first of all be practiced by you.
- Know that stricter judgement awaited those who teach: "DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NOT MANY OF YOU SHOULD BECOME TEACHERS IN THE CHURCH, FOR WE WHO TEACH WILL BE JUDGED MORE STRICTLY" (James 3:1 NLT).
a. An average believer should be a standard for the unbelievers around him or her, who might want to come to the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
IN other words, the life of an average believer should preach to the people who might come in contact with him or her daily. Believers are the lights of the world that are meant to shine in the midst of the darkness of this world—to exhibit the true nature and attributes of Christ Jesus, God (Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:2,3).
b. Much more, a minister's life should be a good example for those whom he or she is ministering to. The standard with which the sheep would follow should be set by the shepherd—the leader:
"NOT LORDING IT OVER THOSE ASSIGNED TO YOUR CARE [do not be arrogant or overbearing], BUT BE EXAMPLES [of Christian living] TO THE FLOCK [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]" (1 Peter 5:3 Amps).
READ: 1 Samuel 12:1-5; Acts 20:28; Philippians 3:17
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
- Whatever is not planted in your body that is working against your health and wellness is cursed and completely uprooted in Jesus' mighty name.
- Your deliverance is permanent in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Peace!
TO BE CONTINUED
STEPS TO SALVATION
• Take notice of this:
IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).
a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).
b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).
c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).
- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!