Faith Worth Imitating
Are we living in a way that is consistent with the desires and values of Christ?
Pastors and Christian leaders in churches and Christ-centered communities have a special role to play in God's Kingdom. We are shepherds, working under the Good Shepherd, who lead people to green pastures and refreshing still waters. We care for people's souls. We cannot and should not take this responsibility lightly. In fact, there are big consequences should leaders in God's Kingdom not take their role seriously. Jesus warned leaders with these words: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42 ESV). We must carefully consider Jesus' words here. Perhaps some of us need to re-consider our leadership roles in churches and Christ-centered communities.
One of the most important aspects of being a Christian leader is modeling what it's like to actually be close to Christ, to listen and to obey Him, and to have their life reflect Kingdom values. Hypocrisy must be avoided at all costs. Christian leaders are examples of what it really means to follow Jesus.
The author of the book of Hebrews had this exhortation for readers: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7 ESV). The author of Hebrews was encouraging people to look up to their leaders and to imitate them. A vital assumption can be made here about leaders during that time: they were living lives that were actually worth imitating. The author of Hebrews encouraged people to "consider the outcome of their way of life." He was telling them to look at the good and godly fruit that was coming out of their lives: the changes in their behavior, the godly actions and decisions, the reflecting of Kingdom values in their everyday lives. Christians are encouraged to consider how their leaders live. And the necessary precursor to this is that leaders are close to Jesus and are reflecting His values in the first place.
The author of Hebrews went on to tell people to "imitate their faith." Here's an important question: as leaders, is our faith imitable? Are we living in a way that is consistent with the desires and values of Christ? Although we're not perfect, I hope we strive each day to live in a way where others can be encouraged to transform into the likeness of Christ too. If you're a Christian leader, consider if you're living in such a way where others could imitate it and end up looking like Jesus.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
