If we are to be leaders let us first be leaders in prayer for the world has its fair share of leaders who are accomplished in their own ways but the leader who values God’s direction is not limited by the boundaries of man but looks to Him to do the unexpected. And if we pray let it lead us to inner godliness so the world may know we are different, not because we say so but because we are. Paul told Timothy this…
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
(1Timothy 1:5 NLT)
Which was contrary to the status quo for Paul knew when God’s people were sensitive to God’s leading the result would be polarizing. There would be those who were attracted and there would be those who would come against what God was doing but all would take notice. It was not because of the vessel but because of what was contained within and it is the same still today. There will always be someone better trained, better equipped, or more skilled but few choose to practice their ability to be led by the unseen God.
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4-8 NLT)
As we draw closer to God the course that He leads us on, regardless of what it looks like, will cause us to lead others; not to show our abilities or that we know more but simply because God wants to use you as an example of what being a vessel of His looks like. Do not turn away leadership opportunities because you have not been formally trained as a leader but instead trust that God knows what He is doing and be obedient to His call. In this way you will be set apart for the purpose of bringing glory to the Master and you will find that lesser things will fall away as they lose the value they once had in your life.
