Today’s scriptures speak to us of leadership.  After God brought his people back from Babylon, the priests were responsible for preserving the purity of ritual sacrifice and for the instruction of the people in the ways of the covenant.  Speaking for the Lord, Malachi rebuked the priests for ignoring their charge.  Instead of teaching the people the importance of proper worship, they presided over unacceptable sacrifices for their own personal gain.  Where holiness was expected, there was only corruption.  In this they showed contempt for the Lord. 

            In Matthew’s gospel we observe Jesus’ frustration with the leadership of the Pharisees.  Though they claimed to teach in the place of Moses, no bold deeds supported their teaching.  They sought recognition rather than service.  Jesus told his disciples “do not follow their example.  For they preach but they do not practice.”  Jesus teaches his disciples that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”  This is the leadership that befits the kingdom of God.

            Paul described his ministry to the Thessalonians in this way, “we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother... determined to share not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well...”  He goes on to say, “You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery.  Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed... the gospel of God.”  Does this sound like a job description you would like to try?

Again, this is kingdom leadership.  There is no room for opinion polls or spin doctors, just the genuine desire to share the truth, one heart at a time.  This takes much love.  The love comes from God, through Christ, in the Spirit.  It is mediated by the Church, which is you and me and those who went before us and belonged to Christ. 

There are different kinds of leadership in the Church.  Bishops, deacons, and priests, by virtue of their ordination, exercise the servant leadership of Christ, the head of the Church.  Lay Christians, by virtue of their baptism, exercise their leadership as members of Christ’s body, witnessing to his presence in the world.  Both kinds of leaders are called to spend themselves in loving service to God and his people.  Only this kind of leadership can turn hearts away from sin and destruction to the paths of grace.