SN – 19 March 2022
The bodaboda situation, the matatu culture, the corruption toleration…
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All point to what we allow to let grow in our lives or society …
…. but there is a harvest that comes with it
…. for we shall reap what we sow as a society.
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Indeed,
We have been looking into how our choices have consequences…
… on how everyday presents us with choices which require our decisions…
… that have the consequence of either bringing about life and blessing or death and cursing… Deuteronomy 30:19
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We are therefore encouraged to pursue righteousness…
In ourselves and in our choices…
As an individual, a family, as a society and particularly in leadership
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For…
*Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.* ..Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)
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*When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan* …Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)
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or we shall reap the consequences of a distorted society
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Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 (NIV)
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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We have drawn from leadership examples in the story of Saul and David…
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The question today…
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How are we to choose our leadership?
What criteria should we follow in choosing our leaders?
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Welcome all to today’s deliberations ..
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… and be blessed.
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~~~~~
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Leadership in the Bible
King David , considered one of the great leaders of Israel, was described in 1 Samuel 16:18
As a person
…who is skillful in playing,
… a mighty man of valor,
… a man of war,
… prudent in speech,
… and a handsome person;
… and the Lord is with him.”
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Steven in the New Testament was described for us in Acts 6 …
– 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
– 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,….
– 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
– 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
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Indeed we are given a more comprehensive leadership criteria in the books of 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5
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1 Timothy 3 (NLT)
>> A Church Leader
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.”
2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.
3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
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>> A Deacon
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
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>> Elder, Church Leader
Titus 1 (NLT)
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.
6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.
7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker,[violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
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1 Peter 5 (NLT)
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
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If the criteria for choosing church leadership is as described above…
… what of the criteria in choosing political leadership?
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It seems that we lower the bar considerably in choosing our political leadership…
… at times going opposite of the basics of church leadership criteria..
… and we wonder why things don’t seem to work out for us…
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Choices have consequences!!
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We seem to choose leaders…
– Whose lives are not above reproah
– Whose families are in disarray
– Who lack self control (money, power, women / men)
Are unfaithful in a number of areas
– Proud & Arrogant
– Self centred
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Indeed…
… as we have seen…
>> When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan…Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)
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Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 (NIV)
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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And that…
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people…Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)
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May we keep remembering…
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1Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
AMEN!!
THE LIVING WORD 4 LIFE 