God's Leader
I am writing on Wednesday night
from Montgomery, AL and the Faulkner University
Lectureship. As you know, I graduated from there when it
was only a two-year academic program, and was Alabama
Christian College. I always enjoy going back and renewing
old acquaintances, being refreshed by hearing others teach,
and getting my spiritual “bucket” refilled. This year the
sessions have been very informative and encouraging, and I
am enjoying them very much.
One of the speakers that I have
enjoyed sitting under the most is brother
Paul Methvin. Brother Methvin
is a great sweet-spirited brother, 77 years of age, from
Orangeville, California. He has preached many years but no
longer does full-time local work, now preaching in revivals
and gospel meetings. His sessions were at 8:00 a.m. and
well worth getting up early to hear. On Tuesday morning his
topic was “Leaders That Please God.” It was rich! And in
my RAMblings this week, I want to just share the nutshell of
what he said the characteristics
should be of leaders in God’s
church in the 21st Century. I’ll just
list them with only a few of the words he said about each.
They are rich, and so right! He said, “A man of God:
1. Is
one who has great respect within the flock. Christians will
not follow a man they can’t respect.
2. Is
one who keeps on hungering and thirsting for God’s word. He
cannot lead for God if he doesn’t know God’s will.
3. Is
one who is wise enough to know that he has a lot to learn in
every aspect of life. Continued growth in every part of his
life is necessary.
4. Has
an unquenchable quest for souls. He cannot expect his flock
to care about the lost, if he doesn’t!
5. He
is a “common” man; not above those he leads, so they can
identify with him, and he with them; he is “comfortable”
with his flock, and they are “comfortable” being around him.
6. Is
a man who is deeply in love with his own wife; he is a
“one-woman” man. He is careful in his words and actions
around those of the opposite sex; women do not feel
uncomfortable around or intimidated by him.
7. Is
a good manager of his time. The work of the Lord comes
first, his family
second, and his job and hobbies are last.
8. Is
a servant; not a sitter
on the pinnacle of the temple handing down edicts.
9. Is
not easily side-tracked into lesser important things; his
work of shepherding souls does not include the peripheral!
10. Is
a man who prays regularly and fervently. He is desperate
for God’s help and guidance for the work he must do, and
does not hesitate to ask of the Father.
11. Is
am man of convictions! He takes a stand on the things that
are right and wrong, but he does it with love and
compassion.
12. Is
one who understands in his own heart what forgiveness is.
He remembers the forgiveness he has received from God for
his own wrongs, and is therefore compassionate and
longsuffering with those he must forgive.
13. Is
one who is home-sick for heaven. He knows that the great
reward awaits the faithful servant leader, and is looking
forward to it with great anticipation.
I believe brother Methvin is
right in these. I want to aspire to these noble
characteristics, and I know that the men of God among us
here in this church do, also… and I am thankful. See you
Sunday.
I Love You -- Ronnie
