On Guard

Take care and be on guard for yourselves and for the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God which He bought with His own blood. ACTS 20:28 AMP

A call to all who are called into 'leadership'. No, it is not about being the pastor or overseer, but to all who have even a small child looking up to him/her for guidance and direction. As long as there is a life to mold, a life to teach, a life to lead, a life to impact, welcome to leadership. This 'leadership' is a serious responsibility, one with both personal and eternal consequences.

First of all, Paul warns all 'leaders' to be on guard, first for themselves. I wonder why? Is it because it is easier to point out the way to others, while you have no desire to walk the path yourself? Is it because it is easier to tell others what to do, than to use your life as the loudest message on what you preach? Before I stand in front of people, I must be sure that the lessons have been personalized, so that the  devil, the accuser, does not wait for me at the season of manifestation.

Leadership connotes responsibility and accountability. Lives are placed in your care, and an account will be demanded. The one who appoints to service is the one who must be pleased. I must not seek to please the ones I am appointed to serve, as my account will be to the one who calls. No man owns the church; it is the Chief Shepherd who owns, holds and sustains his own. His blood paid the price, so I can work free and walk boldly, as I keep the appointment of God over my life.

Just as Paul has said it, so does it come to me again today: be on guard. I must watch my life, so that all I am and do will bring glory to God. Nothing else matters. His time of favour is here.