Be Imitable

Today’s Bible Reading:  Isaiah 25-28; Hebrews 13

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Leadership

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews 13:7-9

⁷ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ⁹ Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings... (Heb 13:7-9 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

The writer of Hebrews gives encouragement and warning here. Some teachers are very good presenters and engage listeners by being edgy, or provocative. They put a different twist on the truth to capture interest. Beware that you are not “carried away” by neo-didacts who alter the gospel of Jesus Christ to fit an audience or a changing culture. Remember, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Rather, believers are encouraged to follow the example of good leaders, “who spoke the word of God to you,” and whose teachings are borne out by their faith and in the way they live their lives. These are the teachers and leaders that should be imitated.

APPLICATION:

Perhaps the greatest compliment a leader can receive is to be imitated by others. This makes the responsibility of leadership all the more important. Therefore, I must not only hone the craft of teaching, preaching and leading; I must live in a way that if imitated by others would be pleasing to God. This is indeed a sobering thought for reflection.

PRAYER:

My Lord, I ask the help of your Holy Spirit to accompany my teaching and preaching. May I present Your truth with vitality, veracity and verve. May others follow me only because I have first followed You.

In Christ Jesus who does not change, and for Your glory. Amen.  –AP