Yesterday, I had to go and meet someone who had gotten lost on her way to my home in order to show her the way. As I drove ahead of her, I kept the space between my car and hers measured so that she could stay behind me. She was driving slowly and I would have to slow down to maintain the distance. We were on our way when I heard the Lord say to me, “This is how to lead.”
In today’s verse, we are told that “We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak. — We ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others — and not to please ourselves.” (Amplified).
Yesterday, we were told in the end of Romans 14 that although we are no longer under the law, we must be careful that our freedom does not cause another person to sin and we were reminded that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
So, the Lord showed me how I am supposed to lead: by gauging the needs of the one being taught, and accommodating my guidance to their level. I cannot teach a six year old the same thing I could share with a 20 year old. It works the same in the Kingdom. Jesus spent three years with his disciples, He lived with them, taught them, showed them, loved them and He knew who they were inside and out.
I must take the time to discern what the failings, frailties or tender scruples are in the person God has entrusted me to help. I must take care not to be puffed up or pompous when I share with them. I must take the time to know them and love them and only then can I be an effective leader. In all of that, I must rely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance and take care to hear Him instead of me.
juliesramblings 