It’s All About Him

I remember a time in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when I was an elder in a church outside Chicago. I was in my 30’s and I believed I had what was necessary to be an elder of a small independent church, according to Titus chapter one and chapter two.

As a group of men, we often found ourselves trying to find our way on how best to function more properly as a group of elders, according to the scriptures. There were times we shined with the Glory of the Lord and other times when we just could not seem to get anything right. It was a learning experience for everyone in the group – especially for me.

I can now look back on this time in my life and realize I was being tested in the fire of leadership. All of us were doing what we believed was the right thing despite the consequences. All of us were trying to follow God and the scriptures. But as you know… it can get a little messy in relationships, with “problem people” more acutely when people with problems are involved.

Nevertheless, it was a time when strong bonds were forged and strengthened while others were broken, hopefully only for a time. To this day some of my fellow elders during that time look back on this time as having no redeeming value. On the other hand, I received grace from those whom I hurt, love from those I offended, and strength from God, who taught me many valuable lessons. The most be important being: “It is not about us, it’s all about Him”.

So the next time you find yourself being tested or in a difficult relationship, try and step back for a moment. Realize that it’s not about your comfort, your correctness or your need to win. Our lives need to be about Christ. It is He who has called us to serve Him and to spread the Good News. It needs to be all about Him!

~ Jay Deems