Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 9:1-17 / Acts 19:1-22
Old Testament -
Psalms 31 / Exodus 21-23
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Acts 20:28-31
28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
Insight:
Paul reminds the leadership of the Ephesus church of how he led when he was with them. His ministry was selfless, Christ-centered, and motivated by his heart to work for their best interest. He did not diminish the message (v.27), distort the truth (v.30), seek followers for himself (v.30), or work for his own financial gain (v.33). He warns them that they must guard even themselves, because it is leaders like them ("from your own number" v. 30) who are potentially the biggest threat to their church.
Response & Action:
Leaders need to be held to high standards. Paul's warning to the Ephesian elders gives me some practical guidance for evaluating leadership and discerning whether or not a leader should be followed. 1) Self-examination is a trait of a good leader. A good leader is humble and open to questions and concerns about his/her leadership. 2) A good leader will not diminish or distort the truth of scripture in order to gain followers. 3) A good leader will point followers to Christ, not collect followers for him/herself. 4) A good leader puts more confidence in the grace of God [v.32] than his/her ability to lead. 5) A good leader is not motivated by personal gain or status.
O God, you are the True Shepherd. Help me to be discerning of leaders. Help me to only follow those who help me follow you. Protect me, and your church, from those who position themselves as shepherds but are actually hurting the flock for personal gain. Help me to be humble, selfless, and full of integrity so that I may honor you and serve the best interests of others in every opportunity I have to lead. Help me to approach all leadership opportunities as a sacred trust. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Resources:
Basic Christian Leadership: Biblical Models of Church, Gospel And Ministry
by John Stott
