“Ultimately, we must learn to bring every aspect of who we are, from our beliefs to our personalities, temperaments, and behavior styles, under the authority of Scripture.”- Banning Liebscher
As Banning Liebscher concludes Chapter 6 of Rooted, he underscores even natural inclinations (i. e. introvert, extrovert) must come under the authority of Scripture. For example, introverts 9like me) might find it tempting to live a full Christian life on their own. Yet, introverts need to live out their faith in community and develop accountable relationships. Similarly, extroverts need to include time alone with God.
In addition, Pastor Liebscher notes, there’s one way to trust that our emotions reflect the truth. We must hold them up to the truth of the Scriptures. And if it’s necessary to align your emotions with the truth, go to the Word and discern what God says and thinks about you.
However, Banning emphasizes, society attacks all areas of our belief systems. Thus, peer pressure tries to convince us that feelings define truth. Therefore, we must put our roots down deep in the Word to resist our culture’s peer pressure. Also, the author states, we’re to push back with the pressure and influence of God’s kingdom. It’s our mandate.
In conclusion, Pastor Liebscher points out, our mandate to follow Christ comes with a mandate to lead. Furthermore, we lead because we’re followers. It’s imperative that we embrace the fact that following Jesus makes us leaders.
Most noteworthy, perfection isn’t a requirement to lead. However, growth is. Effective, healthy leaders:
- possess a hunger to grow
- desire spiritual, emotional, and mental health
- must establish two guardrails in their lives so they create safe, healthy limits: Scripture and community
So embrace your call to lead. And begin with Scripture.
Today’s question: How difficult is it to bring every aspect of yourself under the authority of Scripture? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Building a secret-place lifestyle”
