Leading, not controlling

Well, today has been a fairly good day. My classes went pretty well and I got some stuff done this afternoon that I know will make the next week or so go rather well. I kinda got teary eyed this afternoon in a bookstore and I had to walk around a little bit before I went to the counter because I almost broke out in full out tears.  All I can say to that is that God is amazing and he knows how to reach me when things seem so lost. I have been so humbled by some of my experiences in recent weeks and I know I have become a better person because of it. God has opened my eyes to so many things unseen in the past week or so and I am growing rapidly but I know not to let my high be too high and not to let my lows be too low. It is good to understand what God is doing around you and to join him but it is not good to get arrogant because things are getting better. That is usually when I think I am untouchable and then I get pulled down again because I let my guard down. I do not think that is going to happen this time around because I have learned from my mistakes and I will not let Satan infiltrate the structure that God is building. He is working from the inside out and now the inside is stronger than ever. There are times in which I feel like I have people always looking to me and I tend to like the spotlight but there are times when I try to take over and I do not do what God wants me to do. I can be very controlling and in sports and such that can be good (as far as being a leader) but when it comes to what Christ is doing, it is best to let him do the controlling and let us follow and help him.

We see in 1st Peter 5:2-4 how God calls us to be leaders but he wants us to be willing and have the right attitude as leaders. We are here to guide those that are around us and help them grow in Christ and he gives us the way in which we need to do it. It is stated, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." As a leader or as a Christian, we are overseeing all of God's flock, more so if we are a leader but he wants us to be in the ministry for the right reasons and maybe that is one reason why most pastors do not make a great deal of money. This verse right here says that it is not about the money but it is about providing good examples to those who look up to us. We all have people who look up to us and whether you know it or not, they are watching all the time. But, we see here that if we do what God has asked us to do, we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I do not know about all of you but I would love to get that crown. Unlike winning a championship or a tournament, this crown that we receive will last for while those things will only last for the time that you spend on this earth and then it will mean nothing. I think God has called me to be a student leader somewhere and as I have previously stated, a youth pastor and I know that he is going to do great things in me. I am not ready to get carried away though, all I can do is take one day at a time and let God guide me until I get to that point. I know that when he returns or when I die, he will be pleased with what I have done and I will hear those magical words when he says, "well done my servant, you may enter my Kingdom." He has been so faithful to me even when I have left him behind and I am truly a testament to his grace. I have finally found something that clicks for me and I am glad because I am truly happier now that I have him in my life everyday.

I hope that all of you are growing in knowledge and depth of insight by reading this blog and that you are also doing what ever you can to better yourselves. If you are not a Christian, it is no big deal, just keep doing the little things and hopefully you will see what God can do in you. If you feel you are a good person and you do not need Christ, he does not look for "good" people, he wants to have a relationship with you and he does not need you to run 1000 miles to get to him, he will meet you where you are at if you are willing. Keep seeking and keep praying! Hope you all have an amazing night and I hope to hear from some of you!

God Bless,

Joseph Robinson