Discipleship Considered 5 (Continued)

Discipleship Considered (Continued)

We have been considering those qualities which should mark out the disciple of Christ. The next pair is 'leadership and character'.

Leadership and Character

To be of good character is especially important to those that seek to lead. Paul emphasised this to Timothy.

"An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach." (1 Tim. 3.2-10)

While these qualifications are part of the C.V. of a Christian leader, many of them are also expected of the rank and file. We are all to "walk worthy" of the Lord and our calling as demanded by the following Scriptures.

"Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph.4.1-3)

"Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Col.1.10-12)

"Walk worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." (1 Thes.2.12)

Is this 'Mission Impossible'

You might say 'all this is too high for me, I cannot attain it'. Very true - but God does not exempt you from trying. You might also say, 'I am not equipped to do this'. Again, very true, but God is prepared to equip you. You too can come to the place where you will say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". (Phil.4.13)

Consider one of the great advantages of the Christian life - that the life that pleases God has been lived, observed and recorded that we have a pattern placed before us. Jesus said we are to follow His example, indeed Paul said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ". (1 Cor.11.1) We should have the same integrity, honesty, energy, generosity and compassion as Christ.

In seeking to emphasise the value of good character, I have been suggesting that if we want to make a difference for Jesus, then we must first seek to make sure that our secret Christian life is healthy, balanced and vigourous. Hudson Taylor was in the company of a new young missionary to China. They were sharing a simple meal together. Hudson Taylor asked for a glass of water, and the young man poured the water but did not completely fill the glass. The young man was asked to fill the glass to the brim, which he did. Then he was asked to knock it. Of course, water spilled on to the table. The aged missionary said, 'Remember, when you receive a knock, what is inside will come out'.

We must ensure that what is inside us is the Spirit of Christ. It is those who know private victories who will be the ones to make a mark for Christ. In this matter of working from the inside out we have the Scriptural exhortation, "examine yourselves". Inasmuch as we are self-aware, we are the only ones who really know what kind of spiritual condition we are in.

Next time: A thought or two on 'Motivation'.