As Christian leaders, there has to be a time of reflection where we stop and ask, "Have we gone too far? Have we allowed too much? Have we let down the standard too much in our pursuits under the auspices of winning the lost? Have we lost our places and are now just a part of the world that goes to church but has no relationship with the Father?
If the world has no issue with drinking, cursing, smoking, gambling, fornication, and other forms of sin, should we then stand out and proudly display a banner of personal holiness? I understand the arguments that say certain actions won't condemn you to hell, but will they make you too similar to the world? Will they diminish our ability to be beacons of hope, showing that God is still transforming lives?
In our journey of faith and leadership, we are called to be more than just guides; we are summoned to be living examples of the grace and holiness we preach. This call to holiness, deeply rooted in our shared beliefs and values, is not just a doctrine but a way of living that reflects the very heart of Christ.
No Room for Duality
The question has to arise, can we truly lead others in a direction that we have not fully embraced ourselves? Can we be a true representation of the nature and character of God while having a secret love affair with the world? The question prompts us to reflect on the authenticity of our leadership. It challenges us to assess whether we can truly represent the nature and character of God while indulging in a secret love affair with the world. A secret love affair with the world implies a divided allegiance, where our devotion to worldly desires compromises our commitment to God. It raises the concern of whether our leadership can truly inspire transformation and serve as a beacon of hope if we ourselves are entangled in the very things we discourage. By maintaining such a duality, we risk diluting our influence and undermining our ability to convey the transformative power of God's love.
In essence, this idea urges us to examine the integrity of our leadership. It compels us to embrace a life of genuine holiness, where our words, actions, and choices consistently reflect the nature and character of God. By being true representatives of His love and righteousness, we can inspire others to embark on their own journeys of faith and transformation.
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - John Wesley
John Wesley understood perfection in relation to holiness as the pursuit of becoming more like God and aligning our lives with His perfect character. He believed that Christians should strive for holiness and be transformed by God's grace to reflect God's love, righteousness, and purity in all aspects of their lives. Wesley emphasized that perfection is not about reaching a state of sinlessness or moral perfection, but about experiencing a complete love for God and others, and living a life of devotion and obedience to God. He saw perfection as an ongoing process of growth in love and holiness, made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Wesley believed that as Christians, we can continually grow in grace and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that are pleasing to God, characterized by love, humility, and selflessness.
The Challenge of Recognizing Our Fallibility
Psalms 19:12-13: "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults."
Consider the profound words of the Psalmist in Psalms 19:12-13, These words echo a universal truth about our human nature: we often struggle to see our own shortcomings. Our inherent limitations in understanding and acknowledging our sins remind us of our need for God's wisdom and guidance. It is a humbling realization that, as leaders, we too are on a continuous journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery.
One of the main things that we, as Christian leaders, must do is to seek out seasoned leaders whom we have observed over a period of time and know that they truly avoid sin. Often, the reason we become comfortable with our own flirtation with sin is because of the company we keep. When we are okay with fellow preachers who drink, smoke, and curse, we will find it much easier to fall into those same patterns. Let me be clear, this applies not only to men in the pulpit, but also to women who engage in the same behaviors.
Holiness: A Relationship, Not Just a State
Holiness is not merely about moral perfection; it is about nurturing a living, breathing relationship with God. It's about allowing His love to permeate every aspect of our lives, transforming us from the inside out. As leaders, we are tasked with embodying this holiness in our words, actions, and thoughts, setting a living example for those we lead.
2 Timothy 3:5 - "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
Have you ever considered that our nonconformist lifestyles as Christians may be perceived as a rejection of God's ability to transform people by both Him and the world? People in the world are searching for authenticity! Do you realize that our lifestyles can undermine the credibility of God's power to those seeking genuine change within the Church? Why are people not getting saved and coming to the church? Because they want nothing to do with insincere and deceitful individuals! They are unknowingly following the scripture, "Have nothing to do with such people.”
The Courage to Acknowledge and Confess
Psalms 32:5 offers a powerful lesson: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin." In these words lies the key to true spiritual leadership – the courage to acknowledge our faults and the humility to seek forgiveness. It is in our vulnerability and honesty that we truly reflect Christ's image, encouraging those around us to embark on their own journeys of confession and redemption.
Inspired by St. Augustine's Wisdom
"God provides the wind, but man must raise the sails.” - St. Augustine
St. Augustine, with his profound understanding of faith and human nature, reminds us that our journey towards God is the greatest adventure and finding Him is our greatest achievement. His words implore us to see our role as leaders not just as a duty but as a privilege to fall deeper in love with God and to inspire the same in those we lead.
A Call to Compassionate Leadership
As leaders, we are not just shepherds; we are also fellow travelers on this path of faith. Let us walk this journey with empathy, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to be the living examples of Christ's love and holiness. In our words, let there be kindness; in our actions, grace; and in our leadership, a reflection of the Divine.
Together, let us rise to this calling with hearts full of love and hands ready to serve. Let us be the beacons of light in a world yearning for hope and guidance. In our pursuit of holiness, let us draw others closer to the heart of God, where true peace and fulfillment are found.
In this sacred endeavor, remember, we are never alone. God is with us, guiding, strengthening, and loving us every step of the way.
With heartfelt prayers and blessing,
+Martin Wilson
TCOSS Collage CEO
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