Teacher and Leader

August 6

(Acts 16:4 NIV) “As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”

(Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NIV) “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. {12} In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! {13} Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. {14} But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Paul was both a teacher and a leader. He was willing to get out in front and say, “Here’s the way we should go.” He went from town to town delivering decisions, and declaring, “Thus saith the Lord.” That can be uncomfortable at times, and it can make you a target, but it was his calling. We are all called to teach and lead someone in some way. Christians are called to do more than just accumulate knowledge and faith -- God calls us to pass it on. We should all be teaching someone. We may never lead big groups or preach to large crowds, but we can all lead someone. Look for opportunities to teach and lead. God has enough reluctant believers who want to just kick back and enjoy the ride. What the Lord needs are Christians who will do more than follow and learn. Jesus needs disciples who will lead and teach. He needs disciples who will disciple. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day