Your Daily Devotional for March 17, 2006

March 17, 2006

 

Leading Through Example

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,”

2 Timothy 3:10

 

All of us will be called upon to lead at some point in time. Most are leading right now, whether as a parent, a teacher, or in some other capacity. It is a good calling, a godly calling, when we are placed in the position to impact others.

 

The first area in which most of us are commissioned by God to lead is in the family. We are to set the direction for our children as loving parents who fear the Lord, and to honor the relationship that God has given us with our spouses. Recognize the necessity of maintaining a strong marriage. Sometimes, even good things can get in the way of that right marital relationship. A preacher told me years ago, “The church is Christ’s bride, not your bride.” While we believe in work and in the ministry, if you lose your family, you will lose your ministry. Build up the family that God has given to you. Encourage them. Care for their needs.

 

In and out of the home, the right testimony of a man is one of his greatest assurances of influence. Let me encourage you to guard that testimony. Don’t have a temper. Sometimes you will want to—a car may come along as you are driving down the freeway, and honk at you, or wave at you in an unkind manner. Just keep driving.

 

Our testimony carries over into all areas of our lives. Financially, I challenge you to pay your bills on time. Invest wisely. Give generously. Do your best to be a leader in the area of tithing, sacrificial giving, and special projects. Have a testimony that is filled with an emphasis on the work of the Lord.

 

One vital area that will help us as leaders is our personal study of the Word of God. Not long ago, I met the man who was my first children’s ministry leader when I was in the Awana program. That man is now nearly 80 years of age. I remember how he’d gather us around on Wednesday night and teach us the Bible, and how the first verse I learned was 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” You will never rightly divide it unless you spend time studying it, comparing verse to verse. Enjoy your time in the Bible. Get out your concordance, your Bible dictionary, your atlas, and dig into the words of our Lord. Spend time with God.

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