Responses to God's Grace
Faith Leads to Holy Living
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Self-Examination
1 Timothy 5:17-22 New International Version (NIV)
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[ a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”[ b]19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
For Reflection
Being a voluntary leader in a church is sometimes a thankless duty. Genuinely, a leader is separated from the congregation by the knowledge of the church operation and stands, at times as counselor, advisor, critic to, and friend of the congregation and its minister and staff.
The task requires the sacrifice of a good deal of time. Therefore, congregants, seek to understand your leaders, and leaders, seek to understand the congregation you serve.
Pray
Pray so that in the rhetoric of your service, the Kingdom of God advances. Pray so that resolutions are derived without malice. Pray and contemplate the effectiveness of your thoughts and actions. Pray and listen for Christ's whispered council.
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