Christ Leads The Way

“For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; He will guide them to springs of living waters, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” – Revelation 7:17

“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” – 1 Peter 5:4 

Authority is important in the life of the Christian. In fact, we all have to submit to some sort of authority in our daily lives. Children submit to the authority of their parents. Employees are under the authority of their supervisors and employers. Drivers are subject to the authority of traffic laws. And members of the body of Christ are led by the authority of the elders of the church, the Bible, and God.

I may not get to say it much, but I’m thankful for the leadership of the elders under which I’ve worked and served as a member of the Lord’s church. About a week and a half ago, I sent a letter to the elders of the Avondale church of Christ that I once worshiped with to express that gratitude.

I am not sure that the letter was received, as I have sent mail to family and friends before from South Carolina and it has taken weeks for them to get it – especially around holiday season. So, I want to publicly acknowledge the shepherds of a congregation that has truly been a blessing in my life.

Elders of the church carry out a noble work in looking after the souls of the flock. And while I fellowshipped with the Avondale church, the shepherds there covered me and led me in the right ways of the Lord.

I especially want to extend my gratitude to the most-recently ordained elder of the congregation, Creig Hoskins. While I was with the Avondale congregation, he served in the office of a deacon. He was always actively involved in the works of the church and in helping those in need in the community.

Whether it was teaching. organizing, volunteering, or helping individuals in the community, Brother Hoskins set an example of integrity and dignity in the good works that he did.

I always admired him and the dedication that he had for the Lord. Before I ever even spoke to him, I only heard great things about him – how that he was a good father, a good husband, a good brother-in-law, a faithful servant, and a great friend. It was always evident to me that he loved his family and that he loved God.

And, when I finally met him, he was so personable and so very kind. He encouraged me to continue teaching children’s Bible class and serving God, and he offered his help if I ever needed anything. That was especially meaningful to me, because it was at a time when other people in my life were not so kind to me.

Brother Hoskins made a lasting impression on me, and his leadership has been a blessing to my life. I am ever-so-thankful for the influence that his oversight and guidance of the members of the body has had on the church of our Lord. He’s a remarkable man.

My prayer is that God will continue to bless His church with respectable and honorable leaders like him.

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com