  |
 |
| ||
|
By Pastor Brett Denham
Last Updated: March 02, 2010
What comes to mind when you hear the title “Christian Leadership"? Several thoughts come to my mind. I like to break things down to their simplest form so let's try that.
First, “Christian" means to be Christ-like. “Leader" means someone who leads. So, put these two terms together, “Christian Leadership" is someone who leads like Christ. Sounds good! Even sounds easy, but it is not.
In III John 9-11 we are given an example of what Christian leadership is NOT. His name is Diotrophes, and he is a classic prototype for a young, ‘would-be' leader.
When he looked in the mirror, I am sure he saw a leader. As a matter of fact, I think he wanted to be a leader so bad he could taste it. Diotrophes may have had a title, or power in the church, but a Christian leader, he was not.
Let's take a look at several examples that show us that Diotrophes was not a Christian leader and, if we look closely, we might see a little of ourselves too. Vs. 9 “… who loveth to have the preeminence among them." This is the exact opposite of what the Bible tells us is the standard for Christian leadership.
Mark 9:35 says, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all." Wow, he missed that one by a mile. But again, if we look closely and are honest with ourselves, we may see this very same trait in our own lives.
What boy works hard so he can be the second string quarterback? A famous conductor was asked what the most difficult position in the orchestra was. He quickly answered, “Second Fiddle." No one wants to be second.
But this runs completely against the grain of Christian leadership. Christian leadership is giving your best without having to be first.
A second glaring lesson that sticks out is also in vs. 9, “… receiveth us not." This simply means he did not receive the words of John. He would not respond to John's leadership or teaching. John was only the hand picked messenger of God.
Diotrophes didn't care one bit about John, the elders, or his apostolic authority. Diotrophes was unteachable. Being unteachable can be a blinding and deadly sin.
My wife and I have worked in youth ministry for over 20 years now. Over the years young girls will ask us, “What should I look for in a potential husband?" One answer we always give them is, someone who is ‘teachable'.
He may be rough around the edges, but if he is teachable and will humble himself before the Lord, he will be fine. Girls, if you find that guy, grab him up.
My purpose in writing this article was not to take a guy named Diotrophes and kick him around for our reading pleasure. Instead, it is to point out that this man loved to be first. He enjoyed being served and he really liked to impress people.
I don't want to lead like Diotrophes; I want to lead like Christ. And if that is going to happen then I must change. If we don't change, we will never grow in Christ.
Let me ask you a question, do you want to change? Are you willing to change? It may not come natural or even easy, but we are called to do it.
If we want to be like Christ, then we must die daily and conform to His image. Not like Diotrophes.
When we struggle with this, remember this saying by John Ruskin, When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package."
Comments? Please Respond.
Home | News | Sports | Opinion | Obituaries | Area Communities | Community | Public Notices | Backyard Adventures
Blogs | NIE | Classifieds | Photo Gallery | Subscribers Only | Archives | About Us | Subscribe