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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

For the guys: Able men...

"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens."--Exodus 18:21.  Jethro, Moses' father in law giving Moses advice as to how to most efficiently judge between the people so that Moses does not wear himself out.  Moses is to select men to help him do the judging but not just any men but able men with certain qualifications.

Able men who fear God.  We know from Proverbs 1:7 that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  Men in positions of leadership are to first and foremost fear God.  Men in positions leadership are to recognize God's power and need to first seek the counsel of God as he leads.

Able men who are men of truth.  Men in position of leadership are to stand on what is true and right even if he is standing alone.  This involves standing for what God commands.  Men of truth do not compromise God's Word in order to please those around Him.  The truth is held high above any man.

Able men who hate dishonest gain.  Men in positions of leadership must be free from the love of money.  They must not allow the love of money to interfere with their ability to lead in the way God would have them lead.  They must hate dishonest gain and lead as God would have them lead even if it hurts their wallets.

Able men.  It is here in this passage that we find the Biblical definition of an able man.  In the Lord's Church today, their is a lack of leadership.  Some of this is due to the lack of able men but their is a fourth qualification of an able man.

Able men who desire to lead.  While it is true their is a lack of able men in the Lord's church, what makes things worse is that their are able men who lack the desire to lead.  Men, if we expect to make a difference in the kingdom, we must have the desire to lead.  But those of us who are in positions of leadership also have a responsibility.

Able men who can train others to lead.  As leaders, we need to instill in the younger generations the desire to lead and motivate them to do so.  So my encouragement to you is this.  If you are a leader, preacher, or even an elder in your congregation seek out a young man and groom in him the qualifications given in Exodus 18:21.  If you are a man aspiring to leadership, seek out one of your leaders in your congregation such as a preacher or elder or anyone in a position of leadership in your congregation who fits the qualifications given in Exodus 18:21 and look to him as a mentor.

I have enclosed a video from a speaker which brings out some points who further illustrates what it means to be an able man.  Disclaimer: This man is not from the brotherhood but some of his points are valid.


DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!  

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