Hope for Church leaders

One of my common worries as a church leader is what happens to people when the wrong person gets in there here. Will they be deceived? Will they fall away? Will they be loaded up with things that are unnecessary and make them bear a burden that will pressure them to  shipwreck their faith?

Paul the apostle had the same concern and pass that concern onto Timothy.

 (2 Timothy 2:16-18) But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 

He saw the faith of some being upset by the bad teaching of two people that he knew by name.

He worried about it. But he didn't worry too much for look at what he says next:

Verse 19: But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."

Paul rested secure on the fact that God knows those were his. What a wonderful hope and promise for those who lead in the church. For sometimes we feel a sense of responsibility to make sure everyone stays the course. This is good and it is Pastoral. But at the end of the day it is God's house, they are God's people.

The Lord knows. And we can rest secure as well.

Prayer:

Father help me to lead with the reality of your sovereignty in my heart and mind.