“The older women likewise that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things…” Titus 2:3

Lead By Example

Some time ago I read of the death of a pastor that had taught me through the early years of my Christianity. He instilled in me godly principles and parameters that I still find to be bedrock in my life of faith. He stressed the Word of God as my standard and banner of truth. Through his teaching I learned of the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Under his leadership I grew in worship and prayer and obedience to the tenets of my faith. He made my childhood experiences mature into practical realities in my everyday living. And now, he was gone.

In the opening chapters of the book of Joshua, we read the words, “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord…” Scripture goes on to say that at this time the Lord called Joshua to step up into that role of servant leadership that Moses had vacated. Joshua had been trained by Moses and served under him. Joshua had a willing and teachable heart.

When this present generation is gone, who will carry on? Are we preparing the next generation to step up as Joshua did? God does the calling and He is well able to raise up leaders from among His people, but I wonder if we are mindful to be that godly example to those who will follow after us. What are we teaching?

Jesus had a dynamic way of teaching His disciples. His initial manner was to allow His disciples to see Him do ministry, prayer, miracle, or teaching. For example, on a Sabbath day in Capernaum, they watched Him heal a man with a withered hand in the synagogue and then again they observed Him heal Peter’s mother-in-law of a debilitating fever (Mark 1:21-31).

Then would come a phase when He would invite the disciples to do these things with Him. At the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus invited His disciples into the work. “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37). They found a few loaves and fishes and gave them to Jesus who blessed and broke the loaves, and then the disciples distributed the provision.

And finally, Jesus releases them to do these same things on their own. “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’” Watch Me do this. Do this with Me. Now you do this. And they did!

You don’t have to be a pastor to train up the next generation of leadership. Be mindful to mentor, to teach, to train up. Look for the willing and teachable heart. God will do the calling.

“Father, thank You for the faithful ones who have gone before. Anoint us to fulfill our ministry and calling. May we reflect You in all we say and do. Amen.”