July 31, 2014
CRITERIA
Dag Heward-Mills
READ: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
I the LORD search the heart, I try thereins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:10
Some people think they are not morally up to the standard of leadership. Others think that they have no leadership qualities. Others feel that they have too many personal problems to become leaders. They cannot imagine being saddled with other people's problems.
I have good news for you today! God does not work with perfect people. He works with willing people. He looks at the heart and He understands your human weakness. If Jesus had looked for perfection, I can assure you that none of the disciples would have qualified for leadership positions in the church.
Take Peter for example; he betrayed the Lord Jesus three times just a few weeks after he was ordained. He swore and cursed as though he had received no training. Yet, the Lord used him.
Take the other disciples, who argued over their positions in Heaven. "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest" (Luke 22:24). After arguing over who would be the greatest, they all deserted Christ when He needed them most. Would you trust such people? Would you use such people? Yet the Lord did! You do not haveto be perfect to become a leader.
This does not mean that there are no standards. God expects the highest standards of character and morality; and yet, He works with imperfect people. God looks at the heart. Make sure that your heart is right and God will be able to use you (1 Samuel 16:7).
CRITERIA
Dag Heward-Mills
READ: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
I the LORD search the heart, I try thereins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:10
Some people think they are not morally up to the standard of leadership. Others think that they have no leadership qualities. Others feel that they have too many personal problems to become leaders. They cannot imagine being saddled with other people's problems.
I have good news for you today! God does not work with perfect people. He works with willing people. He looks at the heart and He understands your human weakness. If Jesus had looked for perfection, I can assure you that none of the disciples would have qualified for leadership positions in the church.
Take Peter for example; he betrayed the Lord Jesus three times just a few weeks after he was ordained. He swore and cursed as though he had received no training. Yet, the Lord used him.
Take the other disciples, who argued over their positions in Heaven. "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest" (Luke 22:24). After arguing over who would be the greatest, they all deserted Christ when He needed them most. Would you trust such people? Would you use such people? Yet the Lord did! You do not haveto be perfect to become a leader.
This does not mean that there are no standards. God expects the highest standards of character and morality; and yet, He works with imperfect people. God looks at the heart. Make sure that your heart is right and God will be able to use you (1 Samuel 16:7).
