In our third class, we discussed ways to protect ourselves while leading and helping others. Daily devotion and practicing Christian principles are vital in maintaining our walk amid loving people through emotionally and sometimes spiritually draining times. Not everyone has the fortitude for leadership, but we are called to praise God and have “favour with all the people.” (Acts 2:47) When God gets the glory, He will add to the church (also verse 47). “Position yourself for relationship, not position.” (Kinsey) Our motives should be set and directed by the kingdom of God and His will. I have observed competitiveness and the desire for recognition at work in the church. Jesus said, “They have their reward.” (See Matthew 6:2, 16) When we expand our vision, the church will benefit. We must put into action the straightforward plan of the Savior; he placed His message and trust in the hands of twelve young people. “D.L. Moody said it well when he said, “It is better to put ten men to work than to do the work of ten men.”” (Wilson, p44) Guiding and trusting are essential for growth in others, and we learn to let them do it. Sometimes, we can step in and save people from past mistakes, but allowing them to make their own mistakes will teach invaluable lessons.
Four areas of concentration will help us keep our motivations pure and level up the ability to enact, equip, and encourage. (1) Your heart is deceitful! Do not trust your heart; only the Lord will search the heart. (Jeremiah 17:10) (2) Become like a child, serve! Kids always want to volunteer to help. “Servant leaders serve others.” (Wilson, p68). Do what Jesus would do – speak to the situation. (3) Carry YOUR cross. Take ownership of your life and your past. No one can hold it over us when we admit to things we have done. (4) Allow God to be in charge, follow Him. If you find God, you have found the door! (Kinsey)
Our final class of this semester was devoted to dealing with offenses. Whether we have been offended or have offended others, it is essential to right the wrong before the offense leads to bitterness and becomes irreversible. The best practice is to weigh your words and actions diligently to avoid offending, but some will take offense to what seems insignificant. Brother Rusty Knowles shared this thought, “Communication is the vital link that allows reconciliation.” We can choose how offenses will affect us. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” and “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, 14-15) When we try to decipher motives, we step into God’s domain. People may try to draw to their “side,” but I like how the captain of the host of the Lord responds to Joshua when asked, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13) He tells him, “Nay.” I am not picking sides; I am for the kingdom! I recently had the opportunity to help an individual with specific issues that seemed unfair. This young man claimed that he was being singled out and did not agree with every aspect of the safeguards that the church has in place. The words “you people” were used a lot, even though I had spent time with this young man, invited him into my home, and searched the Bible for answers to questions that he had at the time. In the heat of this scenario, I was asked what side I was choosing. Without hesitation, I announced that I was most assuredly on the Lord’s side! Some will use friendship and experiences to lure you to a place where you question the very fabric of the things you hold dear. Not today, Lord help me, not ever! I have been down that road. If a place could be dusty and muddy at the same time, it would be that road of picking sides and finding yourself on the wrong side.
So, how are we able to overcome the spirit of offense? (1) Pray for the would-be offender. (See Job 42:10) Pray for those that despitefully use you. (Luke 6:28) (2) Pray that God will love them through me! (By the Holy Ghost, see Romans 5:5) Pursue peace! (3) EVERY time the offense comes to mind, pray again and forgive again. We do not pass God’s judgment. (See Matthew 18:21-22) (Knowles) To truly overcome, we must decide to heal from the situation and pursue the right spirit. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)
In conclusion, the most potent example of both influence and overcoming offense is found in our Lord, Jesus Christ. He brought something unexpected to the table. His ministry lasted just a few years but has reached the world. Jesus had accusers, persecutors, and executors. In the midst of all of this, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Wow! What an example! His Spirit-filled church would go on to turn the world upside-down. Persecution would be the vehicle for missionary work and evangelism. Influence comes easier to some than others, but we can all work on the areas of life that draw us closer to God, and when we are trying our best, those who long for a relationship with the King take notice. Give God the glory, and your influence will grow. Offenses will come, but hold to a right spirit, and you will overcome!
References
Wilson, Dr. Eugene T., Realign: God-Called Leaders Connecting with Their Purpose, Word Aflame Press, Hazelwood, MO, 2013.
BrainyQuote website, https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/aesop_109734 , BrainyMedia, Inc., Mckinney, TX, 2001.
Maxwell, John C., The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 2023.
The Holy Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishing, 1987.