James 3:
We all get things wrong. We all stumble in many ways. But if any man can control his tongue, then he’s a perfect man.
That was James – apostle, elder, older brother of Jesus , one of the founders of the early church. Mr James admitting that we all stumble. we all struggle. we don’t always have it all together.. not even him.
So why then do we confer super christian status on normal men (and women)? Why do we elevate our pastors and christian leaders to the place of God? Why do we put them under so much pressure? It must be really tough to live in that bubble. You have to be unreal all the time!
Thats one of the things that I love about the pastor in our church – his humility and vulnerability. He is willing to admit when he doesnt know. There’s no shame in that. I’m much happier following a man who’s honest and humble enough to ask for help when he needs it. We are all fellow travellers on this journey of grace. We are all going to same heaven.
Show me your scars too. Not just all the bravado. Jesus showed his followers his hands and feet after he was crucified! He cried, when he heard his friend Lazarus was dead. He felt really anxious about going to the cross and sweated great drops of blood;and he let us see that too.
Thats what I’m talking about. Leadership borne out of humility and love. Jesus equated leadership with servanthood –