Paul was not shy about what drove him. He labored so that the Corinthians might know Christ Jesus and because of his concern for them his spirit was sensitive to things they were susceptible to. He not only led them to Christ but continued to watch over them as they grew in spirit. Like sheep we are, at times, easily led astray thinking we know the way, thinking we understand what this walk of faith is all about but unless we are rooted deeply in the Word of God then our eyes will deceive us.
Do you think Eve’s intentions were evil when she believed the serpent? Wasn’t she told she would be like God, knowing good and evil? Because of her lack of spiritual understanding she fell victim to the serpent’s lies and like Eve we fall prey to the promises of the world, as our flesh is enticed so our soul becomes enslaved. However, if we knew better the Word of God we would be able to combat the devil and the lies that come out of his mouth. This is why pastors lead congregations and parents are over children. It is not that Paul was better than the Corinthians but that God placed him there to be a spiritual guide so they might learn and grow, in the light. Likewise, people today are busy with their lives and do not always understand the importance of God’s leading – they have not yet come to the place of desperation for God and therefore have not been awakened to the depths of His love and purpose for them.
Israel demanded of Samuel a king to lead them (1 Samuel 8). Until then God led his people through prophets but Israel wanted a king like other nations and God gave them what they wanted but they lost something in the process, thankfully God is great in mercy and kindness.
(1 Samuel 8:6-9 TNIV) But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights."
And so it is today… So many depend on someone else to lead them so they might continue with the cares of their own lives and when they do that they give up something in return but God understands us better than we understand ourselves and He loves us. In terms of the parent and child there is an age of innocence where the parent cares for the child until he/she can make their own decisions. Once they are adults they are able to make up their own minds about following God’s leading or not and how much compromise they are willing to accept but today I’m talking about what drives the parent, the pastor, the spiritual elders. Paul said he does what he does because of love for those he leads and he is proud to present them to Christ Jesus pure and spotless as they remain in Christ and like a mother bear protecting her cubs Paul would fight to keep them on the straight and narrow until such a time they can see the path before them with their own eyes.
For those of us God has placed in the roll of leadership, whether parent, volunteer at church, pastor, friend, co-worker what is driving us? Have we set the cruise control and allowed those under our watch to be led astray or are we actively pursuing God’s will for our lives and the lives of those around us? Are you investing in others? Are you praying for them so they may learn to surrender to the authority of Christ as you lead the way in action? If God has truly given you this job to do then you must also be aware that one day you will stand before Him as He declares the type of work you have done.
In Jesus’ parable of the faithful and the evil servants he said this of the two, (Matthew 25:29 TNIV) For those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. As for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
