Chapter 11: Accepting the Role of Being an Example

In chapter 11, Kraeuter shares about how he hated the idea of others looking to him I as an example of a Christian. He enjoyed praising God with gifts he blessed him with, but the idea of serving as an image of what praise looks like freaked him out.

To be quite honest, this scared me too when I first took up my guitar in chapel. I was worried about whether I was good enough to lead. I fought with myself in my head because I went back and forth in between worrying about how people would see me and reminding myself that it isn't about me, that it's about God. I try not think about being a role model too much because I don't want it to go to my head. But it is important to recognize that people do see us as leaders. It's important to be aware of this so that we can strive to live healthy and non-hypocritical lives that point towards God.

Chapter 10: Self-discipline

Self-discipline is an important characteristic to have both as a leader and as a Christian. How are people supposed to look up to someone who don't follow through? In this chapter, the author puts emphasis on self-discipline. He admits that most people don't like to talk about this subject because it is easier to never acknowledge it and continue on with life without checking to see if they are holding themselves accountable. No one wants to be faced with the reality that they are missing the mark.

But the beauty of God's love for us is that he loves us without forcing us to love him back. He gave us free will. We are called to find him and genuinely love him by our own will, and we are called to act out of that same free will. God can only use us as much as we are willing to discipline ourselves.

Personally, I'm pretty terrible at self-discipline, especially lately. I have tried to keep to a bible reading plan hundreds of times and never follow through. I really should practice playing guitar more often than I do. Heck, I'm even writing this blog post a week after it was originally due. I have a multitude of excuses for why I can't stay on top of things. Self discipline is something I need to work on so God can use me more than he already is.

Chapter 9: Hanging Loosely to the Ministry Position

The author tells two stories of worship leaders who had to step down from their positions. In both of these situations, there was tension between different members of the congregation. Kraeuter explains that situations like these can often be messy, but there is always the possibility that God can work through it.

Sometimes, however, situations like these signal a time for change. We must always be ready and flexible should we have to abandon our roles as leaders. We should learn to hold loosely onto our positions so that we can be open to new callings from God. This does not mean that we shouldn't take our responsibility less seriously. We just need to be slow to become angry or frustrated with our peers and to be ready for anything God has in store for us.