“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)

This was our theme verse for a young men’s program that I helped lead a couple of weeks ago. As a leader, I realized that much is required in my own life and that it is only God’s word that can divide asunder my own soul and spirit…discerning the very thoughts of my heart. I’m sure, I don’t have it all together!

So, what was in it for a leader such as myself? Here are a few points that apply to all leaders (as well as myself):

• Patience
• A discipleship mindset
• Truth and love (in balance). Truth without love, cannot build a lasting discipleship relationship.
• My relationship with God must be honest and growing (transparent), or I will have no influence as a leader. Those under me will see who I really am, whether I’m transparent in my walk with God or not.

These are just a few thoughts, but if applied to our daily living as leaders, they will make a difference in our effectiveness from day to day. We must understand that character is more “caught than taught”, leading us to the understanding, that just the knowledge of goodness is no good unless it is applied to my heart.  And this can only be done by God who is the “Discerner”.

In I Samuel 15, Saul was rebuked, as a leader, for the condition of his heart…he had secret sin in his life and God could not bless him or his position. Look at what God says to King Saul through the prophet Samuel: “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice (vv.22-24).”

Everything that I do will be imitated by those around me, specifically those who are younger than me, or under my leadership. Therefore as a leader, it is vital to keep short accounts before the Lord. If there are things in my life holding me back from fellowship with God, I will be an ineffective leader like Saul. God rejected Saul, and Saul realized the error in his way. You, see, God knew that it wasn’t only the King who would have consequences, but a whole nation! Because of Saul’s position, His sin, would affect every single person under his leadership.

Let the Word of God, which is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, pierce even to the dividing asunder of your soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and let discern the thoughts and intents of your heart, so that you can be an effective leader!

~David H Stelzl Jr.~