MUSINGS

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE Leadership has been used by God throughout history for the direction and preservation of His people. Leadership in teaching is vital, but if the leadership is to be fully effective it must be combined with leadership by example. In Acts 20 Paul speaks of the great scope of his teaching, but he links with that the appeal of his character as among the saints. He had served with all lowliness and tears; he took no account of his life as dear to himself; for three years he had admonished each one with tears. That was leadership by example.

The Lord has given the gifts necessary for teaching, but example depends on character and formation by the Spirit. We rightly, and necessarily, speak of such things as love, obedience, committal, manhood, and humility, but who, in each locality, are giving a lead in these things by example? To what degree do I demonstrate what I say? Paul says, “Fix your eyes on those walking thus as you have us for a model”, Philippians 3: 17. May we be greatly concerned to be among them.

FCM