Me, A Leader?

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12

It has been said “to someone you are the greatest example of what a Christian ought to be.” This may be true, because you are the only example of a Christian that they have. This is a reality that every believer must reckon with as we live here upon the earth. You are a leader to someone. Many today want to run from such a thought. Athletes, politicians and others who achieved a certain level of notoriety reject the notion that they are role models. As a Christian, we need to accept the reality that we are a leader to someone.

A leader can be defined simply as someone who has the ability to influence another. Paul in writing to Timothy reminds Timothy of this reality when he exhorts him to be an example of the believers. Paul relates to Timothy six key areas for which he should seek to set a good example. Consider just the first one with me this week. As a leader (and remember you are a leader), we are to be an example in our words. As those around us listen to us talk, what is it that they learn from us? How are others influenced by your speech?

Paul in writing to the church in Ephesus told them to “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesian 4:29). The words that we speak ought to build up those around us. Our words ought to encourage others to go on in their Christian walk. Our words ought to point others to the Lord Jesus Christ, and not cause them to want to turn from Him. You may want to deny it, but you are a leader. As a leader set a good example by the words that you speak.

Pastor Jeffrey Bateman