There is a “Kingdom of reality” that needs to be demonstrated.  And if we need to be anything as Christians, it is foremost to be eminently real, eminently loving, eminently living in the truth, speaking the truth, walking in the truth, doing the truth, being true.  It is much more than merely “being correct,” or scripturally and doctrinally sound but Christianly in thinking and doing.  It is something that should be immersed right into the marrow and into the knit of our makeup.  It needs to be in our eyes, in our speech, in the inflection of our voice, our posture and our talk.

God has triggered something in my heart to raise the questions of authenticity before people today.  Are we willing for authenticity’s sake and for truth’s sake not to grasp at the first straw that floats our way, and which seems to present the possibility of solving our problems?  Are we willing to refrain from simulating something out of our own humanity that has the appearance of love, truth, leadership and reality… but is not?  I do not want a saccharine counterfeit, but winsomeness, tenacity to stand, love with truth, respect and joy.  Authentic things do not come cheap though but at a price of being real. History sings to us that Christianity has never been cheap but at a high price to the point of blood and it isn’t any different today.  It is we, as believers, who have been inducted into the spirit of glib, unctuous (oily, creepy) and superficial kinds of doings. Now then is the time for the reality of thinking Christianly and acting on that thinking, by living the adventure of faith in the marketplaces of the world.

The times in which we are living in have great possibilities, if we see the marketplace as the place we belong (Acts 17) and not isolate ourselves from it. Although in many places what is seemingly missing today are leaders, leaders that are prepared for living in the marketplace of ideas, to give an answer for the hope that we have.  

What a special privilege to be living in such a time as this and to be one who is sold out on living as a servant leader in this time. With this leadership comes a huge responsibility. We know that as disciples we all have direct access to God and each disciple is responsible before God for their own walk as a disciple (Galatians 6:5). The leadership role goes one step further and it carries the responsibility in the Church and also in the Community. We find also that the leader is held accountable before God (James 3) for the results of their contribution to the Communities they live in and the Bride’s health whether a pastor, ministry leader, college professor, civic leader or ....

 I believe we are all leaders at some level of life; work, family, marriage, to pastoring groups, even the man or women who organizes the Tuesday morning coffee time, it is not only limited to pastors (Ephesians 4:1-16). The full working of the Great Commission/Commandment in history has shown that the God uses leaders to call His people back to Him, to call all people groups to Him and to pioneer new works into the marketplace with insight and passion. I also know though that disciples (servant leaders) can be part of the problem if they haven’t understood that transformation is absolutely needed in our marketplaces of living. 

Some leaders (disciples) are remembered for the manner in which they guide people to God. Others again are remembered because they led the people away from God. Others are remembered because they compromised their leadership (discipleship) with fear or greed, timidity and became silent along with those around them. We saw that with the rise of Fascism and Communism in the 20^th century didn’t we? What will the result of compromise this time? With Him though we can overcome any adversity so while there are always problems there are always several solutions – there isn’t a need to compromise on the essentials of faith!!

Many leaders look to books and workshops only, to find out how they should lead. I know there is more; in fact, the Lord comes alongside if we let Him guide us according to what He expects of us in any given situation. He is the change agent at our core to change us, which will enable us to lead according to His directions. The only way for us to be sold out to Him in the marketplace is to have a solid core relationship with Him and we start thinking Christianly in all parts of our life – Romans 12:1-3.

 The greatest need of our time is for disciples/leaders to lead out in transformation and disciples who can call all people to be transformed to a new pattern. The crisis that we are currently experiencing in our households, businesses, churches, colleges, ministries, communities and in the world…calls for a people who are prepared by God, who are Christ-centred and equipped by the Holy Spirit to pray and be Christian. It is only God who has the answer for our future and our diving into the differing mosaics here and throughout the world! It is only God who has the answer for all cultures; He knows what we must do. The question is…are we willing to surrender to Him, to have Him work in us and prepare us and then do it His way.

 Outcome of being a Leader

 The instruments that God used through the ages were people just like us – scary as that seems, still something made them different. John Gillies, highlighted distinct characteristics; in his book: Historical Collections of Accounts of Revivals. The following is a summary and assimilation of the characteristics with my reworking of his summations in the present tense so you can place your name there:

 I am serious about the great work of the life that I have entered into. I see the “world as my parish”, that everything that I do locally or where-ever I am at that moment impacts the Kingdom and the local church. I work as a person of God who has their last message to say on earth and are bound to convey it. It is not just another job I do – it is who I am – a disciple, a Christian. 

I am a person of faith. I plough and work and know when it is the right time to sow, water and to watch God give the growth. I have faith in God and trust completely in Him – even when it I may not have all the answers before I start. 

 I am a person who is not afraid of hard work. I can bear the brunt of hard times, willingly, without holding back (Philippians 4:13). I might murmur at times, but I am totally surrendered to His Leadership (will), I just need catch my breath sometimes in the adventure before me. I am working with an eye on eternity. 

 I am a person of patience and forgiveness. I work at not getting easily discouraged or dejected, although I work hard and I would want more fruit or quicker results but I hang in their even if it cost everything. (Philippians 3:12- 4:1) 

 I am a person with nerve, tenacity and determination. I am not afraid to live the truth and to take a stand against sin in true love for others. I will be part of those who speak about the greater & growing need for nerve to enjoy the adventure of living full out for Him with a zeal that is tender-hearted and full of joy. 

 I am a child of His that needs continual prayer action throughout the day. It is true that I work hard, have coffee with many, teach or preach, but I also pray. My prayer life soars as the one aspect that seems to exceed all parts of my life. 

 I am a person who keeps their theology simple (clear), a list of doctrines that is short and I seek to be filled with God by taking hold of how deep, wide, long and high the love of Christ is and to know this love that surpasses knowledge! (Ephesians 3:14-21).

Duncan Campbell, a Scottish minister and revival preacher, who was used by God in the 1949 Revival in the Hebrides, shared the following thoughts. In one of his sermons he highlighted the characteristics of God’s Instrument as follows:

 &      A Disciple with a vision   &      A Disciple with THE Word understood in its simplicity and clarity of God seeking humanity (Luke 19)

&      A Disciple of faith and of ABOSOLUTE SURRENDER – one who has a transformed presence (Romans 12) &    A Disciple WHO ISN’T AFRAID OF THE MARKET PLACE OF IDEAS, because we have the best idea of all – Truth - Jesus!!! (my addition)  &      A Disciple with a consciousness of God in THEIR life and ministry

That is a Real Leader today! Are you ready to be one… today? You’re needed!