Real Leaders

2 Corinthians 3:15 - 4:1, 3-6
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 5:20-26

…but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed… - 2 Corinthians 3:16

Who are those in your power group deemed “mature” enough to be future leaders?

Those you always see at the meetings?
Those who report having regular Scripture and prayer times?
Those who give tithes every month?
Those who volunteer for regular service?

Let me tell you about this great girl I know names Lia. She was never chosen to be a leader by her group. You see, her ailing mother prevented her from attending meetings and volunteering for service. She prayed every day and read the Bible too, though sometimes only for two to five minutes, when she had time to squeeze it in. As the sole breadwinner, she tried to tithe regularly but often found she had too little for her family’s needs.

I believe she was picked a leader in the eyes of the Lord. She was a leading example of a Christian who persevered in spite of what life dealt her. She didn’t have the visible marks of a life of piety nor did she meet the “standards” set by the group she belonged to. But she met the Lord’s standards without difficulty.

If we strive to become scribes… working to keep the letter of the Law… we will please the Lord a lot. But if we strive to be more like Lia, then the Lord has lifted the veil and made us reach for something beyond the visible. Victoria L.

Reflection: Are you ready to see beyond the visible?

Help me see that what You desire isn’t always what people dictate it to be. Lead me in the Law of Love.

St. Methodius I, Patriarch of Constantinople, pray for us.