Mike’s Musings …       

Responsible Leadership

   For the first time in the history of our country, the House of Representatives ousted the Speaker of the House. Those rejoicing over this action claimed a “lack of leadership” as the reason, while those opposing the action said, “they are rejecting leadership.” While both sides of the debacle voiced their views as to “who” might be the next Speaker of the House, their only agreement is in the reality of needing RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP. Who with any care at all for the care and keeping of our republic could disagree? Yet, I use this factual news as only an illustration of a much more important musing.

   RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP is required in ALL we say and do (Colossians 3:17). The Christian realizes Christ gave us the example (1 Peter 2:21), and therefore He is our Leader. Was He responsible in His leadership? Absolutely! (Hebrews 4:15) While others opposed Him (and still do) He refused to compromise the word of His Father (Hebrews 1: 1-2), and therefore is the One who leads us in the path of righteousness (cf. Psalm 23 coupled with John 14:6).

   The only office with authority to rule within the Lord’s church is that of the eldership. The qualifications for this office are listed in 1 Timothy 3: 1- 7 and Titus 1: 5 – 9. When one considers these qualified men “watch for our souls as they must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17), there is no office on earth that carries greater RESPONSIBILITY! Godly men who accept this work (1 Timothy 3:1) are NOT desirous of the office for self-glory and/or esteem, but they desire a good WORK (ibid.) That WORK is one of immense RESPONSIBILITY!

   For that very reason, many men refuse the acceptance of this office. They realize even among the brethren over which they would have the oversight (Acts 20:28) there will be opposition to the LEADERSHIP they must render to the flock. But they must stand firmly within the confines of God’s word, without compromise, and defend God’s truth and only God’s truth! How thankful I am that at Orleans we once had that RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP … and how prayerful I am that we will have it again! I muse on who those men will be. They must first determine to be elders: blessed with all the temporal qualifications and then spiritually prepared to use those blessings to be RESPONSIBLE LEADERS of God’s children. Can it be done? YES! But again, I muse on who, and as well upon who among us will help these men grow into the acceptance of such RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP!!!