Godly Leadership

Are you feeling called to lead? Are you nervous? You are not alone. What distinguish's a godly leader? We are participants in God;s plans and his creation. We are not simply bodies, but also have a spirit and participate in relationship with the Divine (God). Those who are called to be leaders must not missue their gifts or abuse their authority. In order to be in ministry we must show up, to pay attention, to tell the truth, and leave the ultimate results to God. Dont get overly anxious for the results are ultimately up to God. Moses has lead his people all through the wilderness of Sinae and up to the edge of the promised land. He has climed up mount Nebo and can finally see the land promised by God across the river. However his time as a leader has ended as he is going to die their and a new leader will be brought up. However Joshua will continue the work of Moses for God-Moses has lead his people and discerned and now it is time for Joshua to finish the task. A signifigant part of godly leadership is about succesion, who is next in line? Many of God's chosen leaders are suprising choices, at least to those around them. Youngest and weak (skinny) harp playing shepard boys such as David, the unclean outsider Rahab, outcasts such as the women at the well, socialy unacepted Mathew, murderous Moses, and the Son of God Jesus Christ coming down as a humble carpenter. A good example of Leadership is Paul: He had been mistreeted and has suffered yet doesnt complain. The tough moments havent stopped him from answering his call to spread the Good News, he hasnt been decietful but honest and transparent. Answering to God and not those around him. He is not out to become rich or to make himself look righteous, but to be a gentle and helpful servant . That is what Christian leadership is about serving God and his community and the Son of God Jesus came as a servant so we are so called to be too. We are both sheep and sheppard- each one of us are both leader and disciple, sheep and sheppard, minister of the Gospel and proclaimer of Good News and Grace. Dont be scared either because Moses questioned and no one is ever ready when the time comes but God changes us and gives us his words through the Holy Spirit, so be not afraid God is with us, Emmanuel. The life of faith in Christ is partly about leadership and we are all called to do it at some point. This is part of what is said at the end of the service: go out in Peace to love and serve the Lord. Celebrate and share the joy, celebrate new life. We are called by God to go out their and change the world through him. We havent yet arived at the fullness of the kingdom of God, we havent yet fully crossed into the promised land, that is why God is continuing to raise up leaders. An example of this is Remigius as he was born around 487 in what is modern France. From his youth he was know to be a servent of God and for his holiness. When their was a need for a bishop in Rheims he was elected despite being only 22 and a laymen. He is known to have converted the Frankish people and their leader Clovis. Clovis was responcible for uniting the Germanic tribes and his baptism was signifigant. Talk about God raising a suprising leader. I think taking the risk of leadership as it is a part of growing in Christ, and really it is no risk at all as Christ will be their with you, God will be their to guide your actions. God Bless.