LEAD BY EXAMPLE I’m convinced that imitators have been given a bad rap. Today they are labeled as uncreative, plagiarists and copycats. There used to be a cliché’ that said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” but I never hear it now. Do you? Today’s message is just the opposite. We have a church leader telling members of the church to imitate him; Paul telling the early church to follow his example. He did this without pride or arrogance. He knew the world they were living in, the pressures, the temptations, the oppression. He identified with them. He shared his story of how he was able to live in this difficult world and please God, at the same time. And he’s saying, “If I can do it, so can you. There’s nothing special about me. Here’s how I live in the world without being of the world: I pray and I ask people to pray for me as I spread God’s word as fast as I can throughout my travels. I live a life of urgency so that more people can glorify God, so that God will rescue us from wicked, evil people. He encourages, celebrates and blesses the work they are doing for the Lord. He warns them to stay away from those who believe in Christ, but do not work for Christ. He actually says that, in verse 6: Don’t spend time with lazy folks. Don’t hang with idle believers. And in verses 7-9 he asks them to follow him as he follows Christ. Everything Paul taught them to do, he did. Paul led by example. Jesus led by example. He told his followers to feed the hungry--he fed the hungry. He told his followers to forgive those who hurt them--he forgave those who persecuted him. He told his followers to take up their crosses and follow him--he took up his cross and followed God’s will all the way to Calvary. He told his followers to love their enemies--he loved his enemies – Judas, Roman officials, those who shouted “crucify him.” Just before he ascended into heaven he told his followers to take the gospel into the world, that’s what he did everyday of his life. Now it’s up to us, to follow the leader, Jesus Christ. His church is in our hands. How many of you have played the children’s game “Follow the Leader?” Will you? Will you “follow the leader?” If so, you will fulfill the ministries to which you have been called. The work that you do for the church is important. Pray that when others see your devotion they will be motivated to work also. Let your light shine so that other people will see your good works and glorify God. Be role models. Lead by example. A couple weeks ago, our Ministry Team leaders went on a day-long retreat to study leadership. Our resource was, “Ultimately Responsible: When You’re in Charge of Igniting a Ministry” by Sue Nilson Kibbey, executive pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio (Abingdon, 2006). First things first, they will begin meetings with prayer, Bible study and Our Vision Statement. They will make sure everyone knows their purpose, develop ways to achieve their goals, practice credibility, share responsibilities, be good communicators, care for one another and develop a plan to evaluate effectiveness. The Church Council voted to stop calling ourselves committees. One person said, “Committees talk, teams “do.” Someone else said, “Committees are passive, teams promote servant hood.” And so, we begin 2008 as Ministry Teams with everyone working together to accomplish the Lord’s work. May God bless us together to lead this congregation, by example, for the glory of God. Amen. |