Neutral Ground is Passive

God rocked my world yesterday morning as my Bible reading plan took me to Genesis chapter 3. This is the chapter that recalls Adam and Eve's sin in the garden. If you've been in church at any point, you are probably familiar with this story. Nevertheless, what I experienced yesterday is why I love the Bible... It doesn't matter how times you revisit a particular passage because God can and will always show you something new. The issue is never about His inspiration; it's only about our willingness to be receptive!

As I was reading this passage, God showed me something that will relate to you no matter your position. I'm a husband, dad, and pastor; therefore, these are the areas in my life where I'm called to be a leader. Each of us, regardless of gender, martial status, etc, have situations that require us to be a leader for someone. So don't miss what I'm about to say...

Look carefully at Genesis 3:6 and 3:9

Leaders don't have the option to stand on neutral ground. When a leader takes the position of being a mediator, they are being passive. Nowhere in the Bible are leaders given the option of being passive and straddling the fence, and God sternly reminded me of this yesterday.

Adam stood beside Eve and watched her sin. He could have intervened, but instead, he chose to be passive. When his family needed a leader, He wasn't there to guide them in the right direction. Then, I also realized that even though Eve was the one who initially committed the sin, God spoke to Adam about the situation. That's right, God held the "leader" accountable!

There are days when I would rather take a neutral or passive position, but according to God's Word, I don't have that option. My family needs me to lead them towards Christ each day, and God will come looking for me when I fail to do that. Yes, everything God does is motivated with love, but that doesn't mean He avoids giving us tough love. I've also been given the opportunity and responsibility of leading The Overflow. As a result, I don't have the option to stand on neutral ground and hope our church goes in the right direction. God has called me to guide them where they need to go.

So don't be passive. Quit merely "hoping" things will get better. Unless you take charge, lead the way, make changes, and walk by faith, those you lead will have no direction, and God will hold you accountable. Remember, where there is no vision/direction, the people run wild (Proverbs 29:18). In other words, they make decisions they shouldn't make. Don't back away from your responsibilities; embrace them! After all, Jesus never took a passive stance on anything, and ultimately, He is our example!