A periodic leadership lesson from Scripture today from my time of “coffee with the Lord” …
GODLY LEADERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFEGUARDING THEIR INTEGRITY AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE LORD’S WORK.
A large financial gift had been gathered for the believers in the church at Jerusalem. It had to be delivered to them. Paul said, “We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” (2 Corinthians 8.20-21 NLT)
There have been so many religious charlatans (fancy name for “religious crooks”) that have given the church a bad name. In fact, movies have been developed around their lifestyle … fancy clothes, coiffured hair, smooth talk, expensive car, luxurious home, personal jets – they’ve ripped off people, made empty promises, abused funds, and lived immoral lives! They’ve given “the church” a bad name.
Would to God, every religious leader would embrace the ethics Paul expressed here… Accountability, concern about criticism in the way money is handled, integrity before God and determination to build a reputation of honor before “everyone else”!
Today, I am determined to be a “committee of one” that will do his best to give the Lord’s work and “the ministry” a good reputation!! In fact, the reputation of the Church one of my core values…
VALUE #3 – I VALUE THE CHURCH: Since Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5.25), I should love it in spite of its imperfections, pray daily for its well-being, contribute my best to its mission and ministries, be willing to submit to its authority, AND LIVE SO ITS REPUTATION IN THE WORLD IS POSITIVE.” … So help me God!
Coffee With The Lord 