As you may know, I did not send out a synopsis of a chapter from the book, “Hurdling the Barriers,” Saturday. The main reason is that I have fallen behind on the writing. I will continue as I finish each chapter. The devotional thoughts on the book of Romans will continue as normal. Here is today’s post on leadership.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14, KJV 1900)
When I was in the military, I remember attending many change of command ceremonies. These were generally held for field grade officers, battalion commanders and higher. They signified a change in leadership. The battalion, brigade or division after the change of command received their orders from the new commander and the old commander had no further authority over the unit.
It is the same with the believer. When a person comes to faith in Christ, he or she comes under new leadership. Paul says that a person who is a believer is led by the Spirit of God. Formerly the person was under the leadership of the flesh. Paul in verse twelve indicates that the believer is no longer a debtor to the flesh. The word “debtor” opheiletes, refers to one who owes another, one who is obligated to another and thus must obey. Formerly the person was obligated to obey the flesh, but after faith obeys the leadership of the Spirit.
I remember my conversion experience in 1983, like it was yesterday. On that bed in a hotel room in Minneapolis Minnesota, I understood my sin problem and the need for Christ and His atoning work on the cross. Yet, I understood that I also needed a change in leadership. As I prayed, I told the Lord that I had been leading my own life and thus, hurt myself and others in the process. I realized that I was a poor leader of myself and that I needed a new leader. That night I asked the Lord to lead my life on the right path, to make my life a blessing to others. I knew I could not do it by myself.
Perhaps you are leading your own life today. Who would know best how to lead it, you or the omniscient God? If you are leading your own life, you need to switch commanders. If you do not know how, contact me through the website, www.renewingtheheart.org, and I will try to help you understand how to transfer leadership to the Spirit of God.
Renewing the Heart 