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“Mastered by Jesus”

Thoughts for Today:

A pastor I work with told me recently that he had a problem in his church. There were far too many people who wanted to be leaders, but not enough followers. It seems the emphasis of many church training programs is leadership development. Yet, I don't see this same type of significance or priority in the Bible. In fact, we find quite the contrary (1 Thessalonians 4:11): "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you..."

In my opinion, we need a lot less leadership programs and more obedience training. The church needs people who will act and live like Christ intended. Therefore, the most important thing to understand from our passage today is not that we should all strive to be leaders (taking orders only from Jesus). Instead, the call is for Christ to be the head of EVERY man, not just Christians.

St. Augustine once wrote that in his younger days he was more inclined toward vices than study. Then, something changed within him as he learned a great truth (St. Augustine Confessions, Book 1): "For Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee." He discovered the human heart is restless until we make Christ our head. Unless we allow our flesh to be mastered by Jesus, we too, will be led and controlled by lust.

Questions to Ponder:

Who or what is it that leads you? Is it your flesh or Jesus? It is one or the other. Are you feeling restless, lustful, or unsteady? Place Jesus in control -- He will re-establish order in your life.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.