Making Mudpies

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

As a Dad of older children, I can no longer effectively compel obedience. In the same way, a leader in the Church can not force church members to submit to his direction. Jesus showed the basic principle of leadership. His followers wanted to follow Him. They trusted his direction because of His relationship to His Father. They recognized or sensed that He spoke Truth and walked in the way of Right but even more importantly they could see Real Love. We can be effective leaders of our families, government or church only if we are first followers -- followers of Jesus.

Jesus demonstrated that a genuine leader must accept suffering. Suffering is involved in having responsibility for and in caring about those under his authority. But, some who are in the position of leadership find it easier to evade, escape or bulldoze. Even though they have the position, they are not true leaders. Some husbands are controlled by their wives because it is too much trouble to disagree, others get divorces, and some are tyrants. These escapes from suffering only lead to more suffering in the long run.

Scripture says wives should submit to their husbands. But, husbands are not told to demand submission. Rather, they are called to a love that will sacrifice everything for their wife and family. In other words, they are ready to sacrifice their friends, hobby, entertainment, privacy, time, money and life for the highest good of those they love and lead. What wife would not willingly submit to such love. Yet, there are some. And, part of the suffering the leader must accept is to sacrificially give and still be misunderstood, rejected and reviled. Who has this kind of love? Unconditional, sacrificial love that can go on forever is impossible unless we are plugged into the source of love.

Why is it we know the name of Peter, Matthew or Luke today? These were obscure men who became leaders and historic figures for only one reason – their relationship to Christ. This is the key to each of our lives. To be effective leaders who make an eternal impact, we must have a genuine, living relationship with Christ. Otherwise, we are, at best, still playing at making mudpies or, even worse, a tool of destruction.

Project:
- Let's each ask God to imprint His vision for us in our mind
- And Let's ask Him to empower us to move in the direction of His vision
- Choose one of the verses in this article to memorize.
- Consider it’s meaning in your life and circumstances.
- Change your thinking (In Jesus, we actually have power to change)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)

The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Tim 2:19)