Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

In all things, the operative principle ought to be what Paul said to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2.20-21 - Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. All students must be prepared for the work which the Lord may call them to. It is in this spirit that we encourage you to exhort your students to strive for excellence and depth. This devotion focuses on the concept of representation, which is a critical metaphor for all leadership in Scripture, expressed and shown in both the Old and New Testaments. A number of texts highlight this emphasis; notice how each one gives a sense of representation in spiritual leadership: 2 Cor. 5.20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Job 33.23 - If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him. Prov. 13.17 - A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Mal. 2.7 - For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. John 20.21 - Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Luke 10.16 - The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

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