1 Timothy 3

All followers of Jesus are leaders. All of us should be trying to lead others to Christ. For most of us that doesn’t mean running a church or preaching to thousands. Our leading will be part of our ordinary everyday lives.

 

The saying “actions speak louder than words” comes to mind. What do people see as they look at our lives? Do they see the character traits outlined in this passage – faithfulness, self-control, gentleness? What do they see when they look at our home lives? Do we treat our family with respect? Do we have a good reputation in our neighbourhood?

 

If people don’t see anything different and compelling about our lives, they won’t feel any need to investigate our words about Jesus further to see if there’s anything in them. If our actions don’t match our words then there is no credibility in what we are saying.

 

That doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. None of us will manage that. But it does mean that as we acknowledge our wrongs and ask forgiveness, we will be demonstrating a central part of our faith.

It is as we follow Jesus that we can lead.