WORTHY LEADERSHIP MODELS

 

 By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

" And I will give you shepherds after my own heart,     who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15

 "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. " 2 Timothy 2:2

  The English dictionary defines a leader as " the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country."  

   The strength of any group or society is determined by the integrity of the fabric of the culture that binds them together . Culture is the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society. 

    It is like the model of a building to be replicated by a property developer in building an estate . If the model is strong enough and the building conditions constant then the entire estate will be filled with strong  buildings.  Leadership is likened to building houses , the bible says "Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself." Ephesians 2:20. 

  The apostles and the prophets constitute the church leadership and they play a role in the destiny of the believer in Christ . It for that reason that one has to be cautious about who we follow as  leaders. The scriptures in 2Timothy 2:2 says such a person should be trustworthy and a custodian of the truth of the Holy Scriptures. 

  The person should be an embodiment and authority of the gospel . Having a title , power , and position does not qualify a person to be a leader worth following .In Micah Chapter 3 , verse 1 to 7 the  political and religious  leaders in prophet Micah's day did not serve as worthy examples for the people : the prophets produced very corrupt political leaders resulting in poverty and deaths.

   They abused there offices with flagrant disregard of their charges . Parents have the responsibility of shaping the lives of their young and those in society . Though some of the periods in this life molding process can be extremely difficult but God will not condone any form of reckless behavior from parents and children . 

 Boundaries have to be well defined and enforced by the husband who is the spiritual head of the Christian home followed by his wife. Make sure you use the rod of discipline to correct and guide along the path of righteousness in love. 

  Discipline should not be used as a tool of venting anger or frustration but as a moral compass to guide the young .

    In cases where leaders are short of divine guidance or completely veered off course the  followers are to pray for such leaders for enlightenment and repentance while maintaining a safe distance like Daniel who refused to be corrupted with the kings delicacies ( Daniel chapter1) unlike the elders who  were sold into debauchery and lost focus of their calling . Likewise young prophet Samuel refused to be corrupted by Eli and his sons. The word of God should be the standard for living not your mentor. Mentors can err terribly and yet be wealthy and influential like Prophet Balaam (2Peter2;15, Numbers 22)  leaders should  focus on the divine reason why they were called into leadership.  Daniel was a politician with integrity , capacity and a commitment to promote righteousness and an excellent teacher , administrator and a  prophet . Our circular jobs should be seen as part of our ministry . Christ should be seen in us at all times .

"  Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance." 1 Thessalonians 5:12

 Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to walk in integrity .Amen. 

+2348035536911 ,+2348098536911 email : michaelbensonajayi @gmail.com