VESSEL FIT FOR THE MASTER’S USE

VESSEL FIT FOR THE MASTER’S USE 

(Vacancy: Vessel for the Master’s Use Need) by Henry Afor

BSF Zonal Coordinator Eastern Zone III. 

Nigerian Baptist Convention, Nigeria.

Introduction
The book of 2Timothy is a book written by Apostle Paul to his son in the Lord. In this book, Paul, the Apostle saw it a duty to write not only to the head of Pastor, Timothy the young overseer of the church at Ephesus but he communicated to the heart of his spiritual son on several critical matters as concerning life and ministry respectively.
Before writing this, my wife and I took stuck of our lives and ministry in Bayelsa State especially among the teens and tweens; we did critical deliberation of our experiences, we counted our victories, and saw also our weakness… my wife commented, “hmm… this life is full of darkness: I responded with a deep breath yes, very deep darkness! Yes, very deep darkness!

We wondered how the youths and students alike are being choked in the fume of darkness, yet many grapple to escape still they suffocate. But great is LORD who also included our memory and counted us in the salvation plan through Jesus Christ.

The question I daily ask; those numbers of youths and students we have harvested for the LORD, how do we equip and encourage them so that they can fan their spiritual gift to flame?
Through this piece I shall speak to 2 kinds of audience the saved (and many that I have contacted and privilege to disciple) and the unsaved, who desire to be saved and to be effective in the vineyard of our LORD Jesus Christ.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Under this subtopic we will seek to find meaning of the terms used in this master piece, this is important as it will help to drive “the nail into the wood” in good time without ambiguity in mind at all.

1) Vessel:
- A craft for traveling on water; a ship or boat
- An airship
- A hollow or concave utensil, as a cup, bowl, pitcher, or vase, used for holding liquids or other contents. 

From the above it is obvious that a vessel is a container. The word Vessel has been used often to translate the Hebrew tongue of the Old Testament which is pronounced as “Kel-ee”; the Greek word of the New Testament pronounced as ‘Skeous’! Both words have similar meanings, and also possess a number of applied meanings. 
As early as 3000 B.C., Cups and goblets of precious metals were crafted by Silversmiths and Goldsmiths throughout the Near East. These materials were used for religious service (Numbers 7:13, 19; 1Chronicles 28:17; 2Chronicles 4:8; Ezra 1:9-10, 8:27) or by persons of great wealth or authority (Genesis 44:2).
Copper and bronze (Exodus 27:3; Leviticus 6:28) vessels were also known in the Holy Bible, Vessel” also has both physical and Spiritual applications.

* By implication, in the New Testament Church every member of the church universal is a vessel which God yearns to use for His glory.

2) Fit:
- Suitable, Proper
- Adapted to a purpose or environment
- In good shape; physically well
- Good looking, fanciable, attractive and beauty.

* By implication God's utmost desire for his humans to become ministerial instrument;  to produce, and to display you “attractive, fanciable, and beautiful” for his Kingdom people to hear and see. 

3) Master:
- Someone who has control over something or someone
  - Owner of an animal or slave
- Someone who employs others
- And the list can go on and on 

The “Master” has been used interchangeably with words like “Teacher” and “Rabbi”. In several passages Jesus Christ is being addressed as Master, Teacher or Rabbi but translated according to various versions. A title given by Jews to their doctors and teachers, and often addressed to our LORD. (John 20:16, 1:49, 3:2, 3:26; Mark 9:6, 11:21, 14:45; Matthew 23:7, 26:49). 

Therefore, in this context, the word ‘Master’ is used for indicating the LORD Jesus Christ and sole ownership over the church… field of ministry, and the life of human instrument – vessels regardless the race, ethnic group, tribe and colour. Jesus Christ is the Master over all but especially of the Church Universal – the Catholic.

REHMA
Apostle Paul in his letter to the young Bishop of the Church of Ephesus pictured an illustration of a house owned by a great and wealthy master / Lord (There is nothing great about a house in the absence of  the owner. A house is said to be great out of the greatness of the owner).
The Lord of the illustrated house loaded his mighty house with utensils and decors. The Apostle Paul described these vessels to be gold, silver, wood and clay. Some were used for honourable and noble presentations and programmes while others for dishonour.
Amidst his illustration he made clear that the later vessels can be transformable into the first mentioned category of vessels. Logically, there is no possibility for such physical ignoble vessels can suddenly become transformed into a noble vessels. But Apostles Paul was careful in his illustration knowing well he was but personifying and typifying … He was careful to render in his letter to the young Overseer, Bishop Timothy the grace for transformation is heavily available for any human vessel who so desire a complete change, regeneration, transformation.

Dear audience, the illustrated house, which is pictured as mighty or great is today the New Testament Church to which you and I belong.
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens the saints and members of the Household of GOD” (Eph. 2:19 Emphasis added).

The Master / Lord / Adonai of the house, Christ Jesus, imparted upon the great house (Church) indelibly as He gave gifts fitting to every member of the household, thereby making each a vessel unto Himself, his wonderful service and worship.  
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift…. And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” – (Eph. 4:7, 11).

Therefore, the intention of God in Christ Jesus is to have a household full of wonderful, beautiful, noble and fitting vessels for His service and worship to His own glory. And it is not automatic! As each human vessel has the ability to make his/her own decision.
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter …(Nkjv)”.
“Those who stop associating with dishonourable people will be honoured”. (LHB)

This was the background / inspiration upon which Apostle Paul wrote to encourage, inform and caution Bishop Timothy of the Ephesians Church. He wrote to inform young Timothy of the categories of vessels, to encourage him to always keep fit, and caution him about men who may pretend to be vessels they have not been cut out for.
The sole, the very reason a man or women (young or old) teenagers or tweens would be reduced to an ignoble, undeserving, unfit, dishonourable vessel is ASSOCIATION!

As Christian our relationship / association should be:
Vertical Association: Speaks of our relationship with fellow Christians.
Horizontal Association: Speaks of our relationship with God.

ESSENTIALS FOR BECOMING A WORTHY VESSEL 

1) Sanctified: The word may imply, the vessel has been or having already been sanctified. Hence, laudable, it is being sanctified before ever showing up in a ministry function. You cannot be a vessel unto honour without being in a settled condition of separation from sin unto Holiness.

A vessel who is to be useful by the Master of the large household must have been proven, must be known to be well above reproach, temperate, dignified, husband of one wife and not greedy. Ministry is not a place you place people on probation or trial and error. You should have been set apart before venturing into God’s service. 

Sanctification suggests that all who become members of the household of God should live holy lives. This is significant since Christians are expected to live amidst all the defections by the defections by the disobedient and unbelieving. And as a matter of importance church’s purity is largely dependant on individual members. Reason we should avoid sinking in the miry clay of sin especially in these last days, we must not go down without a fight (Hebrews 12:4; Ps. 34:14; Prov. 3:7; Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 7:1; Titus 2:11-14).

2) Flee:- The word “flee” suggest the following meaning as used in different versions of the Bible.

* “Stay away”… (GOD’S WORD® Translation)

* “Escape from” … (Aramaic Bible in Plain English) 

* “Keep a strong curb” … (Weymouth New Testament) 

* “Run from” … (New Living Translation) 

The original text is “pheugo” which is interpreted to mean “fugitive”. Therefore, in the verse 22, the Apostle Paul suggests that the vessel that would be fit for the use of the Master must deliberately become fugitive from all that defiles.

A fugitive is a runner. To become a vessel fit for the master’s use you need to run (flee) from the lustful desire for material things, envy, pride, self-assertiveness. Flee from all that corrupts, stains and blights. To flee here is a command which must be obeyed.

The more persistent we become  in following that which is good, the faster and further we become fugitive from that which is evil.

Another important attention in this verse is the other side of being a fugitive – that is, “pursue”. As a Christian who desires to become a vessel fit and honourable must “Run from and Run toward”. We are therefore encouraged and instructed to run from such things which begin from youthful age even unto full adulthood even to old age which are clouds of sin which easily besets us, but then we are to pursue, chase communion of saints, fellowship, faith, love, purity, those things that edifies.

3) Fidelity:- By fidelity I will be focusing on two ends namely: 

* Biblical fidelity, and 

* Marital fidelity

(a) Marital Fidelity:- This is refraining from sex with other partners, the full extent of what it means to be faithful in a marriage. It is also avoiding sexual fantasies involving someone else other than your spouse. The Bible presents sex as part of married life, to be a source of mutual joy and satisfaction.

A man or woman who desires to be a fitting, deserving vessel unto glorious assignment would obey the law of marital fidelity. Sexual fantasy although approved by many professionals yet does not have favour with the Bible. Sexual fantasy could be wrong because it is an act done outside of marriage, and involved mental rehearsal and actions that are emotionally painful on your spouse. It exposes you to likelihood of committing adultery.

(b) Biblical Fidelity:- “The English Bible is a secondary source for Bible Study. Originally, the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The overall purpose of these posts is to encourage the study of the Bible in the biblical language”. Dennis O. Writlind, 2013. 

Fidelity is interpreted as the following:

* Strict observance of promises, duties

* Adherence to fact or detail

* Accuracy; exactness.

As vessels unto honour, or you may desire to be such vessel crafted, designed for performing wonderful assignment; obeying this instruction is essential. We are charged solemnly before God, the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son and the Saviour of the world to be committed to preaching and teaching the sound biblical doctrine and interpreting accurately the truth from the bible for families, friends and foes to digest. 

This commitment encourages to avoid debating unbiblical doctrine, false doctrine and heresies which is the abandonment of strong biblical conviction. 

You must stay committed to the exactness or accuracy of biblical interpretation if you are to be a vessel unto honour  habitually ready for  every good work in the Master’s hands.    

Conclusion:

The New Testament church is today in a generation wherein the quality of a vessel have but little or no importance. A generation where services and worship rendered unto God and to humanity in the name of the Gospel is considered a job well done even when the service has come from a dishounoured Vessel. A generation where unworthy vessel s are celebrated. 

The challenge posed before us is to keep fleeing and purging ourselves of such sins that easily besets and chase after godliness and holiness. And keep study life and conduct as followers of the LORD JESUS Christ. The result would be being paraded in the public as a beautiful, valued, prized, clean and useful for every honourable purpose by the Father in Jesus Christ.  

References:

The Maxwell Leadership Bible 2002, 2007 (NKJV)

Holman Bible Dictionary 

Webster’s College Dictionary

Hitchcok’s Dictionary of Bible Names

International standard Bible Encyclopedia 

Smith’s Bible Dictionary

Easton’s Bible Dictionary

A King James Dictionary 

Online

www.studylight.org

www.keyway.ca

www.theonlinebibleschool.net

www.biblestudytools.com

www.biblehub.com 

The Art of Leadership

THE ART OF LEADERSHIP COURSE 101 The concept ‘leadership’ has long existed before now but in its ‘primitive nature’. It was the brain behind the conception God had before He created humankind in His own image and after His likeness (Genesis 1:26-28). The verses reveal that God made man in His image and after His likeness, and that man (you and I) should possess power (complete authority) to have dominion- to be in charge, to be in control. “ God said, “ let us (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) make mankind in our image, after our likeness, and let them have complete authority over fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the (tame) beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1: 26-27 Amp.). Man in the image of God here means that man share some communicable attributes such as life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice and fellowship though not perfect and it is finite. Man lost this authority to the devil because of sin but Christ Jesus has come and restored this authority back unto man in His name, Amen. God’s intention for creating man culminates into the concept of leadership. He desired that man would manage His creation. He gave authority, to make man the custodian of the earth (here I mean everything in creation). You would agree with me that God knew the end even from the very beginning. Hence, He declared the created things to be under the subjection of the authority He has given man. From the parlance of the study of demonology, today, devil is seen manifesting himself through this very medium to oppress and harass mankind (in the likeness of fish (marine), birds and beasts). The thought of God in committing such high authority unto men is that men would bring organization to the created things. God told Adam to till (work) the garden and dress it. That man would manage, till and work the same, to make it more beautiful. It is for the reason of orderliness in the planet earth. So, leadership calls for high expectation. That is the expectation from every person, every potential leader and as well the practicing leaders. Reason God made you so powerful by that declaration of His original intention to guide, organize, manage His creation is that creation must be in subjection to the creator through your presence here on earth and not go wild and out of control. Forces of nature, enemies, creatures and objects that became pagan deities, that none of these would pose a threat to the servants of the Living God. On the contrary, the world today is characterized by people and leaders who love to lord it over others rather than serving as taught by Jesus Christ. The world seeks for recognition and position of authority over others. The request of the mother of Zebedee’s sons is not different from what any supposed caring mother would request if given the privilege. Jesus Christ gave an appropriate answer when He asked if her sons could partake of the discipline that qualified one for leadership. Their response was positive. However, Jesus Christ taught them that whoever desired to be important among others must learn to serve as exemplified by Him-self when He gave His life as a ransom for all. If the person of the world act contrary to God’s standard, we are expected to be light in the world by the reason of our words and actions. Our leadership quest must be proven since it is produced and tested by the eternal word of God. Under this course you would be learning the following subjects in this course; Becoming a Leader, The Task of a Leader, Relationship in Leadership, Discipleship/Mentoring in Leadership, and Delegation in Leadership. This course is carefully packaged for proper delivery and impartation from the coordinator. It is born out of my many years leadership experience and study about other leaders who have lived and are some still living. In case used anywhere else the words in this course must not be altered. It is my most prayer for you, that as you undergo this leadership training course; God will give light to your understanding, wisdom to profit, and grace unto excellence in the name of Christ Jesus. BECOMING A LEADER A leader is defined to mean (1); a person who directs a military force or unit (2): a person who has commanding authority or influence (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2009). Many in the generation of men aspire to become leaders wherever they find themselves. I used to think there are handfuls of people who are destined to be leaders and others are made to be followers in life. But then, the chain of event of life has made me know that God created us all with the potential to be a leader within the context of our purpose. Therefore, everybody possesses leadership potentials. Like early defined above, to lead, is to have influence, to possess commanding authority. The interesting thing about leadership is leaders are on rear cases born but regularly made regardless of their innate leadership traits. A leader is a man or woman of any age or status, who leads, directs, controls, and oversees or supervises the affair of a particular organization, group or home. A leader is a person who commands authority and influence: one who guides, and a conductor. There are two major schools of thought concerning this topic. The first school of thought believes that leaders are born and not made. On the other hand, the second school of thought argues that leaders are made and not born. These parties are right with their opinion but for better understanding, a leader is both born and made, therefore a leader should of a matter of responsibility undergo making whether born with the skills or otherwise. Consider Moses in the Holy Bible, he was no doubt born a leader of the Israelites, one who God would later use to deliver His people from the land of oppression. He rose one day to prove to his fellow men that God was going to use his hands to set them free but such potential was misdirected and he slew a man in the course of defending his fellow man. “When he was 40yearse old, he decided to visit his own people, Israelites. When he saw an Israelite man being treated unfairly by an Egyptian, he defended the Israelite. He took revenge by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought his own people would understand that God was going to use him to give them freedom. But they did not understand.” (Acts 7:23-25 LBV). Here Moses was unmade reason he was prone to mistake: know today that your being unmade can bring about mistake that can cost lives. Some individuals attain leadership position because of their experience in a place or their knowledge about something. But few are really born to be leaders. This is not because of anything they have acquired inform of knowledge, power, money or even experience or achievement. Therefore, leadership position may be by merit or divine calling. Leadership position is the office of a leader, capacity to lead, the act or instance of leading. Regardless of which sort of leadership, training is most essential. Hence to become a leader there are specific things the potential leader should take note of and as well inculcate same in other to enhance your leadership responsibility. Intelligence: The ability to learn or understand or to deal with new situation. It is also defined to mean the skilled use of reason (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2009). It is that one thing a person needs to actually possess to become a leader in life. The potential leader should be smart enough to handle his responsibilities without seeking one to help him carry it out. Although leaders who are effective are necessarily not the smartest people in any given organization. Since administration is involved in leadership capacity the intelligent quotient should be accurate, be prepared for the challenges of leadership experience. The potential leader should therefore be such who is ready to learn and must be one who has no mental defect whatsoever. Intelligence can be interchangeably used to mean reasoning. This means that part of your human body is responsible in this aspect and not the Holy Spirit (here, the Holy Spirit will enable you with life in Christ Jesus but He will not think (reason) you). The Cerebrum is claimed to be responsible for intelligence and reasoning. Thence, the careful care of one’s brain is needed and should be taken very serious. Intelligence enables a leader to be able to manipulate (utilize) his environment to achieve maximum goal. By adequate reasoning a leader can achieve great objectives set before him and his team in a given organization. Character: This is an important (quality) of a leader. By character, I am suggesting predictability of behaviour over a given period of time and situation. According to the Encarta 2008, character is referred to, “personality, deeply ingrained and relatively enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behaviour.” This could also include integrity, loyalness, firmness, faithfulness and sincereness. If definition from the Encarta is accepted then character is what you are when you are alone, when nobody is watching. This important quality is to be developed in every potential leader. Training inspires character. A life not trained would certainly become a loose life. Circumstances do not determine character instead it reveals it. Scientists have agreed that development of character can be caused by “Drive” which is referred to as motivation and can be divided into two; primary drive and secondary drive. Every action and reaction from individual reveals only the tendency of such person to manifest hence, no group of people can totally claim that they reacted per circumstances. Always keep this in memory; character remains the ingredient for quality life. It helps to keep you up the ladder of success. Administration: In leadership capacity administration is needed and should be involved. By administration I mean the ability to make proper decisions, plans, and the ability to organize people and events towards achieving a goal in any given organization. The lack of a sound and proper administration is tantamount to failure on the part of any leader. An administrator is one, who can be called “vision chaser”. This is because administrators are necessarily not visioners but can be employed to bring a vision to be. Administrator makes goals (visions) happen. As a potential leader you need to learn or inculcate this skill as part of the skill you would be required to possess to succeed in your leadership quest. Leadership brings you to the point where you make decisions for others in places like home, organizations, society. You make plans for events to be executed. Therefore, as a leader and administrator you should be prepared to assume the responsibility and risk for a smooth operation with the expectation of recording success or making profit. Risk Taking: This is another thing a potential leader needs to know about before opting for leadership position. In entrepreneurship, it is one quality that marks off a good entrepreneur. As a leader there would be many instances when you may be expected to take risks for the sake of the people, especially for your office generally. In leadership, risk taking cannot be ruled out. It is like going to save a lamb in the mouth of a lion and bear. “But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and smote him and delivered it out of his mouth; and if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God” (Samuel 17: 34-36 RSV). As a leader you need to know that selflessness is required on your part. There cannot be any success without sacrifice. So as to help others become who they really are; your subordinates, you would do things that are sacrificial. Remember, Jesus should be first always, others should be considered next and then you which interprets the word Joy. David’s life showed an example that in leadership one may be required to put his/her life on line for others. He threw himself cheap before such ferocious animals like lions and bears in ransom for ‘mere’ lamb. Imagine if he never made it from their dangerous claws. Notice, he did this on so many occasions. Would you give your life in ransom for your subordinates? Would you use your finance to fulfill your official duty even when you are sure no one will repay you? Would you deny yourself the pleasures of satisfaction and comfort- ability for the sake of others? Would your share your utmost treasured time with the needy? These questions revolve around risk. They encourage selflessness in leadership capacity. After these questions are supplied the right answers. It saddles the potential leader with readiness for a sacrificial life. Learning: Leadership is equally learned. Anyone who aspires to become a leader needs to learn leadership principles. Leadership is purely a trade of apprenticeship. Knowledge is the benefit of learning but knowledge recedes from such individual who refuse to seek it, him who despises learning is not wise. It requires you to bring yourself under someone’s leadership guide (though you may be leading in a given community or organization). Such is applicable in Christianity where Christ Jesus is the Supreme head over other leader in the work of the Kingdom. You choose role models and look out for mentors. As a leader you should be in charge of your own development. This can be done as you seek out training opportunities. By attending training you improve on your performance as a potential leader. “Training makes the difference but the kind training shapes the difference” (Rev’d S.O. Asaju). Training is important, and you as a potential leader should seek it so as to develop and improve some specific skills in you which will in return promote your performance. “…making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints.” (Proverbs 2:2-8). Leadership learning is a life time event. It continues. You can never be done because there is more to learn, there are skills you need to improve upon; as the days unfolds so knowledge increases, get wisdom, get trained. Reading: This is commonly said, “If you want to hide anything important from Africans put it in writing, they will never find it.” But the story is changing today because good quantities of Africans are undertaking the adventure of reading. Youths are encouraged to inculcate and imbibe reading culture. As a leader it is a law that you must read. The improvement, that answer, you seek is in the books you have not read! As a frontier (leader) you need to develop the reading culture. Many have been leaders (and pastors), you need to share from their experiences and from their knowledge. Do not forget, “readers are leaders”, this is because reading puts you in the forefront. Read your bible, Christian materials and some valuable books especially those of your specialty. Stretch yourself in reading. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy2:15 NIV). According to the Scripture, the best and most infallible way to prove your ministry (leadership quest) before God and before men is by conscious programmed studying. A careful and well scheduled reading programme will no doubt put you in favour before God. Knowledge does not stay in the air rather God has given mankind the ability to tie down knowledge through writing hence the availability of the Holy Scripture. This actually helps to know more about God and black and white print of His good purposes for mankind. He also has given power to mankind to be able to put down experiences which largely has formed a good percentage of the thriving knowledge around the world today. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the LORD, and to teaching its decree and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10 NIV). Men of old explored reading and became indispensable in their generation. Reading enhance your understanding capacity (Daniel 9:2 NIV). “I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men!” (Ecclesiastes 1:13 NIV). According to this verse, it is revealed that it is God who mandated it upon King Solomon, the wisest king that has ever lived to study inspite of his wisdom. You can achieve less or nothing in your given ministry or leadership office without reading because the ANSWER YOU SEEK IS IN THE BOOK YOU HAVE NOT READ! Making reading a habit and inculcate the reading culture for by it renowned leaders developed.

BECOMING A PASSIONATE LEADER

Leadership Training Conference Holding @ First Baptist Church, Igbogene-Epie, Yenagoa By Apostle Henry C.A TOPIC: BECOMING A PASSIONATE LEADER Foreword: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”. (Romans 12: 11. kjv) Hallelujah! And welcome formerly to the year 2013: since this is our take off programme as the Baptist Student Fellowship of the Bayelsa Baptist Conference. I welcome you all as ‘the glory of all other Baptist Student Fellowship’. Alua! Leadership Training Conference is a programme designed and organised to gather the Baptist Student Leader Representatives at the Local, Association and Conference levels. Therefore, this LTC is wholesomely planned for Bsf Student Leaders; and hence high expectation is demanded on the part of the Student participants. This year’s programme is featuring a very serious theme which I believe that when you give your total attention, you would have ended up engulfed in the vision for the great commission especially unto greatness in all ramification of your life. It is knowledge that God has packaged the teachings, seminars, messages, hymns and celebration that will come up in this conference experience to bless you and then in turn make you channel of blessings to your families and friends. The matter of leadership cannot be restricted to a particular sphere of life and professionalism. This is because without leadership factor every other factors (or resources) would remain useless and idle. Leadership factor helps to channel all other factors/resources into fitting positions of expectancy. Your becoming passionate in your leadership tenure or office begins here in this Conference. The serious attention, interest and commitment you give will determine not only how passionate you will become but will set the track of success for you in any leadership position you undertake in life (marriage, societal and religious). Many thanks to every contributor of this edition of the Leadership Training Conference for your unrelenting commitment and love; on behalf of the Baptist Student fellowship Bayelsa Conference, the Central Bsf officers, I express a deep appreciation. I also appreciate the office of the Bayelsa Baptist Conference President Reverend Dr. Humphrey Edoghotu for his fatherly role and support. My appreciation also goes to Reverend Seitongha I. F. Opuene and the First Baptist Church, Igbogene-Epie for the release of their Church premises. It is our highest expectation and prayer that you will never escape the manifesting glory of God unto equipping you for the task of your life’s journey here and elsewhere. Shalom! Pst Afor Henrywisdom Bsf Zonal Coordinator Eastern Zone III 08062144019. THE HEART AND ACTS OF A LEADER The Heart of a Leader The heart is an important part of the human structure without which the physical being of man may be in question of complete wholesomeness and sanity. Every creature God made has been blessed with a functioning heart. This is a physical dimension to the concept “heart”, there is also the spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension has been emphasized mostly throughout the Holy Scripture. As far as the physical heart can be fattened and blocked: so, the spiritual dimension informs us that our spiritual heart can be seared and same become dead or dormant. The term ‘heart’ in the Greek language is interpreted as ‘kadia’ and in Hebrew tongue is ‘leb’. This indicates that heart is the centre of physical life, and is used as metaphor for the person (cf. Acts 14:17; James 5:5). It also indicates that heart is also centre of spiritual life. The following are essential for you to know in the cause of this conference meeting and your journey in life. God knows the heart (Lk. 16:15; Rom. 8:27; I Thes.2:4) Used of mankind’s spiritual life (Mtt. 15:18-19; I Tim.1:5) The centre of the thought life (intellect, Mtt.13:15; 24:28; Acts7:23; Rom. 1:21) The centre of the volition (Will, Acts 5:4; II Cor.9:7) Unique place of the Spirit’s activity (Rom.5:5; II Cor. 1:22; Gal.4:6; Eph.3:17) The heart is a metaphorical way of referring to the entire person (Mtt.22:37; Deut.6:5). The thoughts, motives and actions attributed to the heart fully reveal the type of individual. Let us consider a remarkable bible character that epitomised the full characteristics of the heart of a leader. IMAGINATION: Prime-Minister Joseph was a Dreamer. He saw what others could not see. While his half brothers envied and hated him and his father rebuke him for his dreams he kept dreaming. A leader’s should be visionary in spite of whatever condition any leader may find him-self or her-self he/she should never stop dreaming. It is the lack of vision, imagination or dream that destroys people. INTEGRITY: Joseph followed his principle to shun social vices. He decided he was not going to be involved with things that could jeopardise his dreams or vision. He was tempted by portiphar’s wife. He refused to get even when he had his brothers who betrayed him unto slavery. He sought to do the good and right things only. He does not condone evil acts or cheat in his heart. A leader’s heart must be well above reproach (wrong or sin) that is, your standard for life must be higher than what is obtainable with “them” (those friends of yours who are yet accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and those who refuse to live a good/righteous life). INVESTMENT: Mr Joseph understood that doing well is like planting for the future. He knew that helping others is helping your-self. He helped men even in prison; he helped Pharaoh and then helped his brothers. A leader’s heart must be willing to sacrifice his agenda for others. INDUSTRIOUS: Joseph was not slacking whenever it comes to working hard (Gen.37:2). A leader must possess a hardworking heart. A leader is always a frontier man. INNOVATION: He devised an ingenious strategy to save the nations from famine and desolation, using godly wisdom. Joseph was a conserver and not wasteful. A leader must not have a wasteful heart. INTELLIGENCE: He was intelligent. He had the God kind of wisdom (Proverb 1:7). He understood some mysteries. A leader’s heart must be wise in the LORD (as this will lead such leader to become wise in the craft of leadership enterprise). THE ACTS OF A LEADER Acts can mean personal behaviours. That is, somebody’s actions considered as entertainment or used as an assessment of that person’s worth. In a simple manner I can say your acts are your characters, who you are when no one is watching. Your character is the foundation upon which considers throwing the weight of leadership on you. Although, here are some lists of overlooked acts of a leader: Speak Up Shut Up Be Kind Say No Say Yes Reflect Be Curious Walk away Receive Critical feedback Develop Others Stay and Fight Love your Followers Forgive others wrongs Step out of your comfort zone Listen to others Reflect Deeply Give others credit Notice: your acts or character(s) is not necessarily what you say or do IT IS WHO YOU ARE! Reference: Ken Blanchard, Arts of Influence: The Heart of Leader. www.aspire.cs.com/30. accessed 24/12/2012. 5:41 PM