Leadership

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath deliver us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consists. -- Col 1:9-17

This prayer, given by Paul for the Colossians, is one we should study -- especially today, with so many believing the important thing is to surpass and control others. Paul begins by asking that those who he has taught be saturated with the knowledge of God. How beautiful a request this is, that those who are taught know enough to teach themselves! It is the abandonment of self for the betterment of those he served. Why would they need him if they were truly full of God? Of course, they would still want to fellowship with him, but being saturated with God, they would hear God themselves and be taught by Him directly. So, Paul starts off by wanting them to rise to his level; rather than, remain beneath him.

Credit and control is a major hinderance to the gospel. We are to elevate each other, not tread on one another. God is the only One who truly deserves credit and He has all real control. Without Him we are nothing, and we can do nothing without Him. Therefore, it is what He says we are that truly matters.

Let us put aside all infighting and jealousies; and put forth the attitude of Paul -- truly wanting the best for each other. Asking that God fill all our brothers and sisters with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that they might be fruitful in every good work. It matters not who's "in charge" if God does not bless that leadership. Sadly, we have many that think getting to lead is all that matters. They forget that without God all they do is lead others into the horrors of hell.