Have you heard the saying, “Too many chiefs, not enough Indians?” Do you know what that means? Too many leaders, not enough followers.
When it comes to Christianity, this can be a real problem. Some people are meant to be followers, and some are meant to be teachers. When followers try to be teachers, incorrect teachings and improper handling of situations arise.
Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:1-2
New Living Translation
Not everyone is cut out to handle the criticism and the troubles that come along with being a pastor or spiritual leader. One of the hardest works a person can do is that of pastoral ministry. Pastors not only have to prepare sermons and make sure the church is functioning, but they also have to be there when congregants are struggling, deal with issues arising within the church, make sure their family is taken care of and more. Needless to say, it is not for the faint of heart.
However, just because one is not cut out to be a teacher doesn’t mean they are less than or God isn’t using them.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23
New Living Translation
Instead of trying to force yourself into a leadership position so that others hear and see you, take your following position and run with it. Where does God have you right now? Are you working behind a desk? Do it for the glory of the Lord! Are you teaching children? Do it for the glory of the Lord! Whatever you are doing, do it for the glory of the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with working a seemingly secular job. You may be the only Christian someone encounters in the workplace, which is why you must embrace what you have been given and do it for God’s glory.
Think about it, would the disciples have been worth anything to Jesus if they were fighting for leadership? Think about it, they argued about who was “the greatest disciple,” but did that further the Kingdom of God (Mark 9:33-35)? No! It distracted them from what had been given them to do; follow Jesus and learn how to be leaders.
See, when you are at church, you shouldn’t talk over the pastor, text your friends, or even just doze off. As followers in the church, you should intently listen to your leader, the pastor. God has given you your pastor to train you in how to live as leaders in your community.
Living as a leader doesn’t mean you raise your voice so everyone hears you. It doesn’t mean that you act “high and mighty.” And it certainly doesn’t mean that you insert yourself into other leader’s responsibilities. A good way to think about it is being a trendsetter. Think about it, typically, a trendsetter doesn’t announce that they have the “latest and greatest.” They don’t go around town trying to fix everyone else to follow the trend. Rather, they are who they are and others notice that.
When you follow the leadership of your pastor, he or she is teaching you how to live godly lives that honor the Lord. By living like this, people will start to notice that there is something about you that is different. Eventually, someone will probably ask you about it and that’s when you get the opportunity to share about your faith.
Sometimes you do get to initiate the conversation, though. First, you have to be in normal communication with a person so they get to know who you are. After you’ve developed a friendship with someone, that’s when you can initiate the gospel conversation.
No one wants to be your pet project. That’s exactly what they feel like they are if the only reason you talk to them is so you can share your faith. People want to be noticed and cared about. If you already have a friendship with that person, you’ve already established that you care about them and then they will realize the reason you are sharing your faith is because you care.
What am I asking you to do then? First off, be a follower when it comes to church. Never, ever try to manipulate or overstep your pastor. That is a sign that you are not a strong Christian and nowhere close to being of spiritual leadership quality. Second, I am asking you to be a trendsetter. Live a godly life and let it be who you are no matter where you are. God can use followers if they don’t try to force themselves into leaders.
