Led by a lad!

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"Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Phil 2:3)

Obedience need not always be one way traffic, as juniors obeying the seniors. After admonishing the "younger people" to submit themselves to their elders, Apostle Peter continues, "Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility" (1 Pet 5:5). It takes more maturity to obey a younger person than an elder. More often than we realise, youngsters and juniors are capable of judging and deciding on things more objectively than their seniors. They have the flexibility, creativity and openness of youthfulness to their advantage as against the rigidity and conservatism of the old age. This is illustrated amply both in Church history and world history. On God's holy mountain, a "little child" can be the leader (Isa 11:6). David testified that he had more understanding than the ancients and all his teachers (Psa 119:99,100). In the endtime outpouring the Holy Spirit gives only "dreams" to old men, whereas to young men He gives "visions" (Acts 2:17).

Parents need not feel inferior to accept a course of action suggested by the children in a given situation. Husbands do not lose their headship if they listen to their wives. God's guidance may come through any one of the spouses. Did not God once tell Abraham to listen to Sarah (Gen 21:12)? Pastors need not feel threatened to appreciate a counsel offered by an ordinary member of their congregation, younger or older to them. Moses the spiritual giant was helped by a simple counsel given by his shepherd father-in-law. Naaman a military commander was healed by a humble suggestion given by a servant girl.

A submissive and obedient attitude may be looked upon by the world as weakness. But Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Mt 5:5). We are taught by His example to esteem others better than ourselves. It was Christ's humble obedience at every step which pleased His Father to exalt Him to the highest. Let's have the same mind of Christ (Phil 2:3-11). As forerunners of the Second Coming of Christ, our ministry is to "turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord!" (Lk 1:17).

If anyone does not obey men whom he has seen, how can he obey God whom he has not seen?

He who says that he obeys God but does not obey his fellowmen
is a crook; sincerity is not in him!

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