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All eloquent preaching, when void of deeds, is but sound and fury; all words of wisdom, wasted breaths. Noble teachings are cast aside, barren seeds scattered to the wind, if we do not tread the path we so ardently illuminate for others.
They alone lead, who lead with truth as their lantern; their lives become the very fruit of the Spirit. Steadfast and unshakable, they serve the Lord, magnifying His Word not merely by what they say, but by the radiant example they set.
Leadership is a sacred privilege, enshrined in responsibility. God holds those who preach His truth doubly accountable, for they dwell in a position from which they may either draw souls toward Christ’s embrace or, by their failings, push them away. Serving as a pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, or elder within the Church is an awesome duty, a calling that demands the utmost integrity. Those honoured with this mantle must guide souls heavenward, embodying true wisdom -- pure, peaceable, gentle, yielding, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere.
These shepherds must resist the taint of hypocrisy; they must live lives as pure outside the church walls as within, not succumbing to dishonesty after preaching with saintly ardour on the pulpit. Nor should they misquote holy writ to veil their own ignorance. With courage, they must rebuke dishonesty in the wealthy and the powerful alike, just as they should tenderly minister to those whose faith may falter, never casting a shadow of fear or speaking omens of doom.
True spiritual leaders know that the heart of their calling lies within -- grace wrought in the innermost soul, emanating qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They are summoned to be Spirit-inspired messengers, not merely silver-tongued orators or performers. They should, with sincerity, strive to reach the pinnacle of their divine callings, becoming not just speakers of truth but vessels of grace, wisdom, and love.
A. Anato Swu
Northern Ireland, UK