Position Versus Discipleship

POSITION VERSUS DISCIPLESHIP

C. Gene Wilkes, in his book Jesus on Leadership, says, "Confusion arises when you equate higher 'positions' with leadership . . . As long as 'position' is honored above discipleship -- being a follower -- church leaders will honor the ambitious over the obedient." We often tend to think that those who appear promising, or who say they will go, are the ones who are great in God's kingdom and His service. Keep in mind, however, that even though someone may seem incredible and obedient, it doesn't mean they really are, for appearance can be deceiving.

An individual might say they have great faith in God, but when it all boils down do we see the evidence? James 2:17 and 19 says, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead . . . You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!" Just believing in God is not enough to exhibit your obedience, because even the demons believe in Him, and we know they don't serve the Lord. Proclaiming to others, or even telling the Lord, that you have great faith in Him and are willing to serve Him doesn't make you faithful. An individual is not faithful until they actually go as commanded. The late Rich Mullins said, "Faith without works is about as useless as a screen-door on a submarine."

(From a sermon by Damian Phillips, Faith Seen in Action, 8/20/2012)