Be Strong and Courageous – Defining the Christian Leader

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.' Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Today 15 Jan 2023 we will install the leaders of Charis Methodist Church, our Local Church Executive Committee. We pray that they will take the advice of the writer of Proverbs not to trust in their own understanding but to seek God's will and guidance always. 

Christian leaders are called of God. Many people will not dare to take on a role so demanding of character, time and sacrifice. Why would anyone take on such onerous responsibilities and duties? They are called and commissioned by God and He ensures the transfer of leadership from one generation to the next. We see this transfer from Moses to Joshua as the Israelites were about to cross the river Jordan into Canaan.

'Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise; cross this Jordan, you and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.' Joshua 1:2

Pastor Clarence Goh, in his book, Called to Soar, expounded on the word, Arise, "It is a call to be counted. It's a call to be more involved and active in advancing the kingdom's work." (Ref 1) It is call to leadership.  

There will always be an enduring church leadership because God will provide. Yes, despite the perennial shortage of volunteers, there are still good Christian men and women who are willing to serve. There are three reasons for this: 

• God selects our leaders
• God guides our leaders
• God promises leaders, success.

The opening verses of the book of Joshua, which described the successful transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, give us insights into this:

 

'Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:6-9

God Selects Leaders

Leaders are usually selected because of their business experiences, financial contributions, political connections, professional career, management skills and connections. Holiness and good character which are important traits of spiritual leadership, are not immediately recognisable whilst administrative and organizational skills are more obvious and proven by track records. Hence the marks of spiritual maturity are often ignored in preference for leaders who are glib speakers with the right boardroom and management skills.

However, a wise congregation should quickly learn to leave the matter of leadership to God’s selection. They will seek to find God’s chosen person through prayerful discernment. Whilst we can discern the outward qualities, only God can fully assess the spiritual maturity and character. Such people will be called by Him. By their leadership and example, they should set and preserve the highest standards of ethical conduct. Jesus said,

'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.' Matt 5:13

God Guides Leaders

God provided Joshua with the much-needed encouragement and guidance he needed. The words “be strong and courageous” were emphasized three times in the passage. Guidance was to come from God’s Word and it will shape his leadership. 

'Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.' Joshua 1:7

God Promises Success

All leaders need resilience, tenacity and endurance. Will the work and efforts of Christian leaders enjoy success so that the church can grow, minister and endure through times of difficulties and blessing?  God promised Joshua, 

'I will give you every place where you set your foot on, as I promised Moses.' (Joshua 1:3).

Charis Methodist Church needs leaders of sterling characters. We pray for them to 'Be Strong and Take Courage.' 

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Why don't you give him all of your fears

Why don't you let him wipe all of your tears

He knows, He's been through pain before

And He knows all that you've been looking for

Nothing can take you out of his hand

Nothing can face you can't command

I know that you will always be

In His love, in His power you will be free!

So, be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be Strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Lionel

Ref 1: Clarence Goh, 'Called to Soar - a devotional on the Book of Joshua.' 2022 AdventTransformation.

Steadfast, Immovable.

 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?' Matthew 11:7

Reeds in the wind. Jesus was introducing the crowd to John the Baptist and He was contrasting the tenacity of John the Baptist against the shifting beliefs of the many in the crowds that followed Him. With rhetorical questions, Jesus introduced John, the ramrod straight man in the wilderness as the forerunner of the coming of Christ.

'As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about  John: "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist.' Matthew 11:7-9 and 11a 

Spineless Christianity? Like reeds swaying in the wind? Saint Paul described such Christianity as being tossed about by the waves instead He prayed for maturity and service for all Christians,

'To equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity of faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by waves, and blown here are there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.' Ephesians 4:12-14

In 1968, about 60 youths from the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) of the Geylang Methodist English Service, now Charis Methodist Church committed to these verses from Ephesians 4 as their statement of faith and ministry. Today, nearly 54 years later, only about 50% remained in the faith, the rest have been tossed about by every wind and wave and have fallen by the wayside. What kept the remaining 30 persons in their Christian Faith? It is their tenacity, resilience and steadfastness. Some may say it is 'a stick to it ability.'

'So my dear brothers and sisters be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.' 1 Corinthians 15:58

Among other attributes, these faithful Christians maintained a consistent service for the Lord and the Church. 

SIM (Serving in Missions) East Asia in its 2/3 2022 publication SIM NOW entitled Serving Steadfastly, shared several testimonies of missionaries.

• Steadfast Amidst Uncertainty by Luke and Jill in Southern Asia, "So how can we be steadfast when life is so uncertain? We are learning to faithfully do God's work and accept whatever comes our way. We continue to move forward in faith, no matter what happens, even if our new normal looks quite different from what we thought it would."

• Steadfast In Intimacy With Him by Dr Judy Ho in Nigeria, "By stepping out in obedience and by fixing my eyes upon Him, God has showered me with blessings way beyond my imagination. He has graciously let me know Him more intimately. He enables me to understand and accept my limitation more. Certainly, His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is perfected in my weaknesses.

• Steadfast Amidst Challenges by Ghie Sibayan in the Philippines, "Living through the different challenges of life and ministry has not been easy for me. the Lord has been enabling me to serve steadfastly by being willing to adjust, stay in community and recognise God's presence." 

• Steadfast In Being Sensitive by Tijin and Merin in Ghana, "What God requires from us is to remain committed to His work and to be sensitive to His leading in His Mission."

These testimonies are very inspiring. And they show that these missionaries are resolute and strong. Just as Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he was given a rallying call.

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9

The Joshua call must have also kept many a Christian steadfast and sure though all the challenges of life. We are not like reeds in wind; Be Strong and Take Courage 

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Why don't you give him all of your fears

Why don't you let him wipe all of your tears

He knows, He's been through pain before

And He knows all that you've been looking for

Nothing can take you out of his hand

Nothing can face you can't command

I know that you will always be

In His love, in His power you will be free!

Lionel