Tag: Committed

Matthew

Matthew was a tax collector and hated by the Jews. Tax collectors were not seen as an example to follow.

However, Matthew was an apostle called by Jesus, but what made him different? Consider two reasons.

Committed: The text is explicit: When called by Jesus, Matthew immediately left everything behind to follow. He walked away from security and wealth.

Compassionate: Matthew hosted a great feast for Jesus. He invited what the Pharisees called “tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew wanted all his friends to hear about Jesus.

Not a great deal is known about Matthew, but these two areas make him stand out as an example.

Committed to Lead…

David expresses the need to be silent before God and praise Him. He then says, “And to You the vow will be performed.”

A vow indicates one who enters an agreement, which they are committed to fulfill. 

Performed indicates that when the vow is paid it completes the agreement so that both parties are in a state of peace (Theological Wordbook of the OT).

A leaders first responsibility is to God first and then to those they lead. They must be committed to fulfill the responsibility to which they have entered as leaders.

When they do, both parties enjoy a state of peace.

Committed Leaders…

The key to leadership is commitment. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

At the heart of any lasting endeavor is the power of commitment. When commitment exists, we can change the world.

As Ms. Mead stated, “It is the only thing that ever has.”

When we look at the early church, the apostles demonstrated a level of commitment that is rarely, if ever, seen in our time, but Christians followed them freely making a sacrifice with their lives for Jesus.

Our leadership for Christ should exemplify the same if we hope to change the world.