The Call To Leadership

3 Mar

“If you accept the call to leadership, you must be willing to be misunderstood, criticized, opposed, accused, and even rejected.”  ~ Unknown

When I was in the seminary, I heard stories from many of the teachers about what would be expected of us after we were ordained.  I heard about unrealistic expectations that would be placed on us.  I heard about all sorts of struggles awaiting us.  While it may have been a bit daunting, I didn’t let it keep me from ordination.  But, I was not ready for what was to come.

Even though we heard about all sorts of things that happened to other priests, the stories just don’t cover the reality out there.  There are many more stories untold that take place.  Many more trials.  Many more opposing views.

And if I knew all of those stories along with the things that I heard in the seminary, would I have changed my mind about being ordained?  Absolutely not.  Because those things are as old as time itself.  Look at the stories of the prophets.  They were persecuted and more of them killed.  Even knowing what might lie ahead, they spoke the Word of God that was given to them.

We are called to be leaders in the faith.  Jesus did not promise His leaders safety.  As a matter of fact, when sending them out, He warned them that many would be harassed, tortured, and/or killed.  He told them that God would give them the words to say and that God would deliver them after all was said and done.

We are not working for the things of this world but for the Kingdom of God.  Some of us might get to the “pearly gates” unscathed.  Others may come bloody and bruised.  But all who respond to the invitation of the King shall gain entry.

Don’t let fear keep you from doing what the Lord is asking you to do.

FAITH ACTION:  Don’t be afraid to become a leader in the faith.  There are too many people who need someone’s good example to follow.

The Fridays of Lent are Days of Abstinence