MONDAY January 14, 2019
Succession in Leadership
Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
1 Samuel 8:1-3
God called Samuel and anointed him to be a judge in Israel. However, this position should not have been passed down to his children. Why? Samuel’s children were not walking with God––they were corrupt. Their selfishness and greed led them to take bribes and pervert justice. Those called to lead cannot be carnal, but spiritual.
God calls many godly people into the ministry, but that does not mean a succession of leadership will continue through their children. Understand, a position in leadership is not transmitted. Neither should you pass on a leadership position by suddenly laying hands on people (1Timothy 5:22). Church leadership should be carefully chosen (Acts 6:3). In fact, some people serving in a church should not hold leadership positions. They do not have a genuine call of God on their lives.
A person with a true call of God in the ministry assists the Senior Pastor. The dictionary definition of an assistant is: “a person who assists or gives aid or support; a helper.” A leader in the church needs to be a model of true servanthood. They are called to care for the body of Jesus Christ.
If you are called into the ministry, understand you must count the cost. It will require long hours as you assist the pastor and serve the people. Ministry is a call of God; it burns deeply in your heart.
There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do the little things.
~D.L Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
