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Quality Leadership
Taken from: The African-American Devotional Bible
Contributing Author: Reverend Dr. Harry L. Seawright
1997

Passage: 1 Timothy 3

Verse: 1 Timothy 3: 1-3, 8-10

People seem to be hungry for guidance and direction. The success of the church depends on the development of quality leaders who can fulfill positions of responsibility with integrity and resourcefulness. In a most complex society leaders play a crucial role in the lives of those who follow.

Far too many people have been hurt by false prophets and selfish leaders who have made predictions and promises that have gone unfulfilled or have led them into deeper hurt and disappointment.
The apostle Paul was quite explicit in describing the type of leaders God wants, particularly those who lead in the church. According to Paul, God wants leaders who are disciplined, seasoned, and convicted in the faith. As leaders we should model the characteristics Paul has recommended for overseers and deacons. Those who are in positions of leadership should mediate on the words of this most profound and thought-provoking chapter.

When leadership fails, many people and programs are, directly or indirectly, adversely affected. When leadership is effective, everything, directly and indirectly, reaps the benefits. Therefore, it behooves us to be positive influences in the lives of the people we are called to serve, knowing that we are serving not only them, but also the God who commissions us.

Prayer

“Dear God, help us to be true to ourselves so that we can come before your throne and let our needs and requests be made known. Help us to hold ourselves accountable to the people we accept to lead so that we will be the leaders you want us to be. In the name of the One who calls us from ‘followership’ to leadership and offers the necessary grace to do that which we have been called to do, we pray. Amen.”