What do godly leaders do?
1. They cheer us on.
2. They strengthen by grace, not by rules.
3. They suffer willingly, as an example to those who will come after them.
These are some of the lessons we learned from Hebrews 13:7-17 on Sunday morning, when our preacher, Dr. Jason Locke, shared about "Finding God in Dark Places".
Although few people look at suffering as a good or desirable thing, the Bible shows a different side of suffering: suffering teaches discipleship. Jesus, our great and perfect leader, suffered. We are called to follow him! And that means we will bear abuse. Jesus died to let us know that suffering is not the end, however. Death is not the end. Death has been defeated! We will celebrate that on Easter morning.
Godly leaders will show grace to those who are living in darkness and fear, apart from God. Rather than being the "enforcers" of rules, godly leaders will be vessels of God's grace, mercy and forgiveness.
Although suffering may not be a desirable thing, it is a "shaping" and "refining" tool, meant to break us of pride and selfishness and arrogance and to make us into people who know how to love one another as God loves us. And that makes it all worthwhile!
--Posted by Mama O.
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