Set the Tone
I have been saying this phrase over and over to my oldest for a few months now. She has the uncanny ability to enter into a group, no matter the size or demographic, and rise up to be their leader, influencing others to do what she wants to do. This is both a positive and a negative, and it certainly has its side-affects (as my son can attest to with the dolls or dancing).
But I tell her, “Set the tone. You are the leader. You are the one people look to for direction.” This is especially huge for her brother, who looks up to her with an undying love and devotion. He is her protector, and because of this, he will go to the hilt to follow. She sets the tone in their relationship.
As leaders of the church, we set the tone for our congregations. In how we interact with unchristians. In how we engage with scripture. In how we live devoted to the Word. We set the tone. We shape the music of our congregations lives. Whether we like to admit this or not, the life we model helps form the lives of those who consider is their leaders. We set the tone.
Ponder this:
- What is the tone of your life?
- How about the tone of your congregation?
- What can you do to help set the tone in a more consistently positive direction?
