…not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

“I don’t know why they won’t let me lead,” complained Monica. “I told them I’d make my boyfriend move out.” Bret clapped her on the back. “Who knows? You’d be great. I’m celebrating three-months of sobriety by teaching a class on it. Might even start doing seminars.” Unfortunately, this conversation is not far from reality. In an effort to encourage new believers, churches sometimes saddle them with leadership roles they are not spiritually ready to handle. We forget that enthusiasm does not equal spiritual qualification. But God didn’t forget about it. The tragedy is that when unqualified leaders fall, they take many people with them.

So what is leadership? Who should be a teacher in the church? None of us is perfect. No one will be a good example 24-hours a day. But godly leaders are those who have been proven over time. Time exposes major flaws. Anybody can be a dynamic, super-charged, fireworks show for a year or two. Adrenaline surges and enthusiasm is high when we’ve been delivered from sin and come face-to-face with the glory of God. But then reality settles in like a rude uncle who won’t leave. You keep tripping over the stuff life scatters around your house: discouragement, tragedy, hurt feelings, temptation… Old friends call. Old habits creep back in. It takes time to develop the patterns of faithfulness that build a platform for leadership. Only time will reveal whether we stay true or fizzle out when the adrenaline’s gone. Leadership is for those who have passed the Time test.

Final Thought:  If time has proven you faithful, step forward and lead! If it hasn’t, press on until you’ve passed the tests.

Prayer: Father, I want to be worthy of leading your people some day. What am I doing or not doing now that might keep me from proving myself faithful? Help me grow in obedience until I am a trustworthy leader.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.