Ok, this is definitely a timely topic – but I will NOT go all “political” on you.
Let’s start with a biblical perspective – a wise source — and it may be instructive in all arenas. Apply it as you wish.
I am thinking more in the personal realm. You know those friends who come to you and start telling of their distressful event or situation and they are sure you can lead them out of it / through it / around it. Or you can find them a “leader” to help them.
Or maybe you are in a group or situation which has “gone south” – you know, conflict reigns, disputes are hidden (yet guiding behaviors). Someone needs to step up into a leadership role.
One of Henry Blackaby’s devotionals recently walked me through a major lesson I needed in regard to this leadership stuff – and he started with outlining some major “leaders” in biblical days:
- Moses – a mighty leader for the Hebrews walking them out of slavery in Egypt and through the desert, which took 40 years due to their disobedience, BUT…God prepared Joshua to accomplish what even Moses had not achieved – getting them into the promised land
- David – a mighty king whose reign was a high point for the nation of Israel, BUT…Solomon had to carry out the task that was denied his father, David, the one of building the spectacular temple.
- Elijah – a prophet who raised the dead, called down fire from heaven and revealed God’s plans for a devastating drought, BUT… Elisha came along succeeding his mentor Elijah, doubling his miracles, and completing work God had commanded.
Which brought out a side point that is important to consider here – are we tempted to put more trust in the leaders God gives us than in God Himself? Think about it – who is in charge of these “leaders” accomplishing what they did? (yes, it is God)
And the accompanying point – are we tempted to despair with the leaders we are observing when they are doing a terrible job of leading (in our humble opinion)?
It was helpful to me to hear from Blackaby that God always has another Moses, Elijah or David – and even those who come along like Elisha with a double portion of their predecessors’ spirits.
That is heartening –but it is only part of the point to be made — Blackaby brought out something that was personally disturbing to me.
I was reading along just thinking of the people who are big-time national leaders – or well-known ministry leaders – or even down to my local church and organization “leaders”. Not me, right?
Not so fast, according to Blackaby. He turned the tables. And it is not a pretty picture on the other side. Check it out – you may be there, too.
Blackaby reminded me that God looks for those who will allow Him to shape them into the instruments He requires to do His divine work. Jeremiah reminded us of the Lord’s declaration “Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand….” Jeremiah 18:6
CLAY – yuck! “Clay has no plans of its own, no aspirations for service, nor reluctance to perform its given task. It is just clay. Moldable, pliable, totally submissive to the will of its master.” So says Blackaby. I picture a dull gray lump of something like play-doh. Is that me?
Not so fast — at times I have excitedly announced to God that I had discovered the strengths and gifts He gave me and I know how I can serve Him. After all, I am getting accolades for these behaviors. And on top of that, I know my weaknesses – so I know tasks I am just not capable of doing for you, Lord. So I won’t even consider operating in that realm.
Sound like “clay” to you? Nope – Blackaby reminded me. “God is not limited to working with our strengths – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. He can mold us into whatever instrument He requires.”
He then goes on to describe God having assignments that demand humility so he finds a servant willing to be humbled. Or if He needs ‘zeal’, he looks for someone He can fill with His Spirit. He finds those who will allow Him to remove their impurities. “It is not a noble task, being clay” says Blackaby.
Well, AMEN to that!
No glamour in it, nothing boastworthy. And yet, that is exactly what God is looking for in us humans – compliant, moldable, yielded clay.
Remember what Blackaby shared? God always has another Moses, Elijah or David – God has limitless ways to accomplish His will. They, and we, are not irreplaceable to the Lord. As Blackaby says “He will achieve His purposes.”
So, that makes me sit back a bit and breathe a sigh of relief. God’s got this, right? He’ll find someone to do what He needs to get done!
You know where I am going, fellow ‘clay’ persons. Blackaby posed it this way:
The question is this: Will we be a part of God’s activity, or will He find someone else? We deceive ourselves if we think we are indispensable to God. Service to the Lord is an honor He bestows on us, not a favor we do for Him.
If you are mourning the loss of one of your leaders, do not despair. God has another leader, for He will see that His will is carried out. It may even be that He has been preparing you to be that leader.
You knew I would get you, right? And I am right there with you.
You see, with all the years of training in Peacemaker Ministries, learning biblical peacemaking, becoming a Certified Christian Conciliator and incorporating the principles into my law practice – there were many times I can recount for you of God showing up and running the show in a way that glorified Him. And it was totally Him. And I was blessed to feel “used” in those times.
Yet I am now keenly aware of the basics of peacemaking we all have in the scripture and teachings of our pastors, bible study leaders and all over the internet.
My question to you – when conflict sticks it’s head in the door (in the group of friends or even just one person sharing with you), will you step into the “leader” role allowing Him to use you to lead and guide those around you to His peace?
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation….” 2 Corinthians 5:18
Yes, we all are equipped – we have all we need in the Lord’s presence and guidance. As I hear from people regularly, they are wanting “someone else” to deal with the conflict that showed up on their door. My mediation partner and I are working on how we can best address this type of situation.
So, will you please hit the “reply” button and just give us a short response to this – what holds you back from stepping in to guide your friend, group or others to restoring a relationship or reconciling a conflict?
We need to hear from you!! And thanks….
