Spiritual leadership is serious

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as my priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons." Hosea 4:6 CSB

With all of the information out there on the web, on television, on radio ads, and in magazines linking good nutrition and a healthy weight to heart health, would you believe that one in five adults (that survey included runners too) still thinks their diet has nothing to do with protecting their ticker? "That's a problem because that knowledge gap makes it more difficult for people to grasp how much their own habits are increasing their health risks," said Steven Nissen, M.D. and chair of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic. 

And while a person's lack of knowledge about what they should and shouldn't eat might certainly shorten their lifespan, the Bible tells us that God's "people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." You see, in Hosea's time, Israel's priests were participating in idolatry and immorality - and in doing so, were keeping the people from knowing God. These so-called spiritual leaders, who the people looked to for guidance and instruction, not only failed to teach God's laws but failed to follow the laws themselves, leading the people down a path of destruction with them. 

And you know, as the story clearly shows, spiritual leadership is not something to be taken lightly. Those called to teach and guide others can easily lead them closer to Christ or lead them away by their words or actions. So if you are in a position to lead people today, take the job seriously my friend. Let no one you know perish "for lack of knowledge." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that those in leadership roles, whether it be teaching a Sunday school class, leading a Bible study or mentoring younger Christians, are held to a higher standard. Help us to be people that seek to know and follow Your commands first that we might lead others to do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Seek First - Housefires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfAusAxKaaE