Who are they seeing in you?
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“… [F]or I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
—Phil. 4:11
I’ve always appreciated the word “learned” in that verse. It means that having the ability to “be anxious for nothing” isn’t something instantly gained, but rather acquired over time.
So how are we Christian leaders doing during these days of international pandemic? What do our followers observe and hear when they see and listen to us?
Peter wrote that indeed, in this life, we would be “distressed by various trials, that the proof of [our] faith … may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6b -7).
Are we considering what it is that our conduct in these days should be proving? Are we measuring our words and actions against the only life that we should be endeavoring to emulate?
In his first epistle, John wrote “the one who says he abides in Him ought Himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” So again, what are our followers seeing and hearing these days?
Paul once wrote “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Why should our conduct one day result in the praise of our Lord? Because we will have held ourselves accountable to being nothing more than a reflection of Him, all the time, in every word, and in every action.
This may be a larger opportunity to reflect Him to others than many of us have had before. This trial is international and impartial in its selection process.
And it’s not as if every other difficulty in life has ceased. Death, which causes its own widespread fear, is still all about us, just as it was before this virus. It’s just that car accidents, suicides, and normal mortality don’t make front page news.
But death is not the only hardship that this pandemic brings forth. Stress from the shutdowns may cause more personal and family damage than the virus itself.
With all the stress and frustration in the air, how should we respond? Paul’s words come to mind: “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Rom. 13:1).
None of us have any idea how this thing will turn out. None of us even know what tomorrow will bring. But there are things that we can know for certain, and, that we can share with others.
Are we not convinced “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39)?
As Christian leaders, these days are most assuredly affording us a great opportunity. A time to “examine [our]selves” to see that we “are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5).
And let us not forget this truth: “[We] can do all things through Him who strengthens [us]” (Phil. 4:13).
 | Maurie Daigneau is a retired business owner/entrepreneur and author of the newly-published book The Gospel You've Never Heard: An Understanding That Will Change Your Life. He has been in a personal relationship with the Lord for more than 50 years, and has committed the balance of his days to sharing the lessons he has learned from the only One any of us is to call “Teacher.” Maurie and his wife, Susie, raised five children of their own and are now the proud grandparents of 13. Learn More » |
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