Changed Lives
By
Lisa Nagle (USA) | October 01, 2008
Message this member
Our goal in building leaders is changed lives leading to spiritual maturity. The apostle Paul wrote that our goal for each disciple is that he would “in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph. 4:15). This is what Jesus did. In the Gospel of John, when Jesus met the woman caught in adultery he modeled forgiveness. But he also exhorted her to change: “neither do I condemn you…Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Jesus expected change. Jesus even saw the change necessary in “godly” people. When the rich young ruler came to Jesus expecting Him to reward his good deeds, Jesus saw a need for change and said: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matt.19:21).
Three Kinds of Change
There are three kinds of change that should be taking place in the lives of your emerging leaders. 1. Change in information. This is evidenced by the new understanding of facts from God’s Word, new concepts, ideas and doctrine. But this is not enough. If you want to teach a person how to swim do you show them a video of someone swimming or do you ask them jump in the water and start kicking their legs.2. Change in attitude. Exposure to God’s Word changed the heart attitude of each learner toward God over a period of time. The emerging leader should be changing in humility, honesty, love for others, ability to endure suffering. We are striving for change to be more like Christ. Philippians 2:5.3. Change in actions. As good as change in knowledge and attitude is, our goal is not realized unless there is a change in behavior. A mind full of God’s Word and a heart full of good intentions is meaningless without action. “Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead.” James 2:17. Change is a lifelong process in the life of a leader.
Add Comment
Comments
