When We Move by the Flesh, We Get the Mess of the Flesh
Leaders who are led by the Holy Spirit leave a trail, which is easily discerned. The carnal man leads by evidence of things seen, the opinions of men, and the overriding instinct to preserve self.
When we follow a spirit-led leader, we can expect consistency in direction. True north is always north. A carnal leader will attempt to convince his team that south is north because everyone else is headed south.
A spirit-led leader will pray first. A carnal leader will seek popular opinion first. The counsel of godly men and women is not sought or welcomed.
“Trust Me,” is a battle cry of a carnal leader. “Trust God” is the foundational word of the spiritual.
The spiritual man leads with a great sense of purpose, direction and confidence in the voice of God. A carnal leader is blown about by the latest news, opinion or brilliant idea.
In Paul’s powerful eighth chapter of Romans he writes:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
A carnal leader has his mind set upon things of the world. He sees and evaluates with the mind of a man. A spirit-led leader filters all thinking about the unseen, with the mind of Christ.
Leaders of men and organizations are burdened and charged to lead their teams to prosper in the kingdom of God. The favor of God accompanies His call and gifts.
All that is required of us is to die to self and remain at the cross.
Today’s Scripture
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, for the carnal mind is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom. 8:5-8).
NOODLING
Here’s something I’m trying or thinking about today …
This is not an endorsement or recommendation. It’s just noodling.
Weekend reading: The Skeptical Student by Timothy Keller and part 2 in his Encounters with Jesus series which was presented at Oxford, The Insider and the Outcast.
PLATFORM TIP No. 14
W. Clement said, “Big doors swing on little hinges.”
Every contribution to your platform is a little hinge that swings open big doors for your message.
It seems to me that a person who installs hinges has great faith that a door will be attached and opened.
Install more hinges!
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