“Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name.” (Romans 1:5)
To be a leader within the Lords Body is a level of grace one has matured into. Scripture tells us, “This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” (1 Timothy 3:1), which is then followed by the excepted characteristics and behaviors of one who leads.
Jesus says it like this, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27)
Now let’s see what Paul says these leaders charge is to be. Notice it says “so that”, meaning their grace as apostolic leaders was to produce something. Now what’s it say? “so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name.” A persons “believing” is unto their obedience to Jesus Christ!
One of the first things the Holy Spirit has me ask a person who says they “believe” in Jesus is how much time they spend in the scripture and prayer. Sadly a lot at this point will say they don’t even have a Bible, or if they do it’s been years since they even read it… that’s a pretty big red flag.
I was corrected by the Lord early on in asking a person if they are saved, as in the current time they relate this to having said a sinners prayer, which has many deceived into a false hope because they’ve never chosen to follow the Man, Jesus Christ! He is our hope, nothing else! Asking a person if they are born again will reveal the truth!
If a person truly loves Jesus they will follow Him, they will seek to understand His parabolic teachings, they will begin to apply what He teaches them in their life, and fruits worthy of repentance will begin to grow!
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)