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 Philippians 1:12-19 - Model Leadership

        Well, this is a good passage to read as the world turns upside down.  It’s a reminder that we have confidence in the work and promise of Christ Jesus.  We must take every opportunity to help people.  And to love all people.  As a Christian leader, first and foremost, be self-aware - don’t think you are something you are not, and be sober in your assessment of yourself.  

        Boldly speak God’s message of truth.  And pray for each other.  The situation may seem difficult, or even bleak.   But Christ Jesus is at work.  Christ Jesus is working out a good plan.  He will deliver us from this seemingly impossible situation and He will show us what to do so that He can work through us to minister His love and grace.

        It is a fight, make no doubt about it.  A spiritual war behind the physical.  We must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.  Yes, the Church has failed and is filled with greedy false teachers.  What’s new.  That’s been the case since day one.  Press on.  Jesus Christ reigns today as He will forever and His purposes will prevail.

        We must stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

        Let’s praise God for He is the source of all good things.  The devil seeks to destroy.  But God seeks to reconcile and restore and to give peace.  Praise God for what He is doing.  God’s character is pure and good.  He is so unique in creativity and constant in character.

        The Bible is replete with the message that we are to model godly living and good leadership.  

        God goes to great lengths to show us there are wise and foolish behaviors - each with consequences.

        For example, Proverbs 23:9 says, “Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.”  That’s great counsel.  Some people do indeed have stiff necks and hard hearts.  Oh, that we would all have hearts open to God’s teaching and honest in our assessment of ourselves.

        We need good, godly models.  I’ve wanted to be a man’s man my whole life.  But what does that even mean?

        I remember skinning and butchering animals (sheep, pigs, and cows) on the farm as a kid.  A manly thing to do.  But truly I didn’t like many things about it, including the smells.

        The only thing I liked about hunting was the fellowship with others and that the kids got to smoke cigars to push the bush.  I distinctly did not like the crying voice of the shot deer as it had its neck slit.  Not the manliest Saskatchewan farm boy.

        And I wanted to fight and drink like the toughest hockey players.  So foolish.  I crushed the knuckles of my right hand so badly that I missed an important part of one season.

        At what point have we had enough?  When are we ready to follow the real man’s man?  That's Jesus.

        Jesus never wasted a day.  He still doesn’t.  He provides everything His children need - and more.  He warns us of the dangers of carousing with drunkards and feasting with gluttons (Proverbs 23:19).  Do we listen?

        And He gives us every other head's up that we could possibly need to live well.

        Jesus told his disciples that the Romans would march into Jerusalem within a generation and surround the city with 20,000 troops.  The temple would be destroyed.  And the Jewish system along with it.  And that’s exactly what happened in AD 70.  Never try to rebuild something the Lord Jesus has torn down.

        And Jesus told His disciples that He would return to this earth when His Gospel had been preached and enough people believed in Him.  And He will.  As sure as day follows night.  And we will be ready.  Unashamed.

        We have models of men who are good and just and fierce and loving.  We have the Son of God.  And His apostles.

        Paul tells us to live for Christ today.  Realize you’ve had enough.  Enough of the world.

        Let’s be on guard today.  Let’s understand what really matters.  Take pride in Christ Jesus and trust His promises.  Let us do no evil today.  Not in thought or deed.  And may we model for our children and grandchildren based on the good models we have in Scripture.

        Lord Jesus, may we not be intimidated in any way today by our enemies.  May we make every effort today to live godly lives.  Amen.



Colt (our one year old grandson) and Kari - at the North Carolina Zoo

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