Have you observed churches where the body doesn’t seem to rise above the Pastor/Elder? Look around and do your own survey—maybe even at your church. The one in leadership usually represents the “high-water” mark for:
- abiding in the Lord Jesus (John 15:5-8)
- reaching the lost (Proverbs 11:30)
- loving children (Mark 10:13-16)
- concern for the unborn (Psalm 106:38)
- living a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:16)
These aspects of his life in Christ are first impressed upon his own family and then in the body he is shepherding.
Speaking of which, what about your family? Generally, Dad represents the “high-water” mark for his family. The life in Christ we live out represents our hunger and thirst for the Lord Jesus, for His Word, for children, for the lost, for the unborn, and for living a life that is pleasing to our Lord. Our life is being impressed upon our family. Are we leaving an impression God is pleased with?
May we be able to say like Paul, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Steve