Choosing Godly Leaders

In his book, The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Adversity levels us and keeps us humble, while prosperity tends to make us proud and self-sufficient. We don't think we need God when we're in good health or have a wallet full of credit cards or a lot of money in the bank. But when an economy goes south or the doctor has bad news, we turn to God, because we are reminded of what really matters.

What's missing in this discussion is a biblical understanding of God's economy and the nature of a fallen world system. Bad things happen because of sin -- a curse extended even to planet earth (Genesis 2:17-19). The whole world is laboring under the burden of sin, longing to be set free (Romans 8:19-22). God is not sitting idly by watching bad things happen. Rather, He allows sin to run its course as part of His demonstration of the need for repentance. God's righteousness stands in stark contrast to the darkness in a fallen world (Psalm 19:7-11; Romans 1:19-20).

When you experience difficulties, resist the temptation to blame God. Instead, depend on the "acts of God” that Scripture verifies -- His deliverance and compassion for those who trust in Him.

Identifying Godly leaders

As growing up kids we were early to recognize the talents of the best teachers. I grew up having a couple of excellent teachers in school and college. I was not a Christian until I became one when I reached 29. I have a deep respect for all the teachers. Respect for their impressive intellect. Respect for their strong stand on moral issues. Respect for their levelheadedness in understanding other religions. The list could go on and on. 

Memories galore, I still remember my high school days. As a matter of fact school days are the best days.The children knew what to expect from their teacher. She rewarded those who gave their best efforts. It didn't matter so much that they were right all the time. What was important was that they tried to do the best they could. The dullest student was rewarded as often as the brightest, as long as he put forth effort. Year after year, the teacher turned out good students.

Putting forth a great deal of effort is much easier when we can feel we've accomplished something. There is a basic instinct within each of us that likes praise and reward. We need to feel that we are noticed when we do what is good and right. The Lord sees all that we do, and His pleasure is ever with us. His abundant blessings come to all who truly love Him and pursue Him with all their heart, mind, and soul.

But we live in a busy, imperfect world full of busy, imperfect people

Essentially, we are impatient with those who have less (or different) theological, spiritual, or biblical exposure and knowledge. But how is that fair? In reality, many people are ill-prepared simply because of their upbringing. Many come to Christ as adults, out of non-believing families. Many people don’t have much time (or the inclination!) to devote to in-depth biblical or theological study. Many people grew up in a church where only the most basic of Gospel truths were touched on, and become paralyzed when more complex life situations rear their ugly heads.

Should all Christians have an intense drive to make themselves as knowledgeable and as spiritually “prepared” as possible? Well, yes. But we live in a busy, imperfect world full of busy, imperfect people. Everyone’s experience is different; everyone is part of a unique story.

Do you know that God is not as interested in making you happy as He is in making you holy? His goal is to purge and purify you. The moment you were saved, God began His work to make you pure and holy. He wants to burn out the dross and impurities in your life and present you as pure gold. You see, He is not as interested in your automobile as you are. He is not as interested in your job as you are. He is not as interested in your health as you are. But he cares for you so much that He wants to make you pure. And God will touch all of these things, if necessary, to make you holy.

Many Christians wonder why they cannot hear or sense God's presence in their life. It is because they do not seek Him with a whole heart, and they are not obedient to the things He has asked. God does not show us the next move until we are obedient to the first thing He has spoken to us. It is a progressive process. He entrusts the small things to us first, then moves us to the larger. I was like many today who are so focused on seeking the activity of God rather than seeking God Himself. Hebrews tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. In the Old Testament we are told, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 4:29).

Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life—and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.


Blessings,

Raj Kosaraju