This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. - Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)
How often do we find ourselves drifting through a situation like an empty boat on the open water? When leadership is powerless, no one steps up, and direction is left up to the whims of the world - we can only hope for the best. Life requires leadership. Good leaders have good foundations.
The way of society is to elevate the self-assure, to appoint leaders who exhibit certain physical traits, and to elect those who can say the right things. How often do we check the foundations of faith for those we elect to lead us?
There is no one greater than God. There is no one superior to the Holy Spirit. There is no one with greater character than Christ. Be careful, then, of the leaders you choose to follow - else you may end up adrift on the open waters of faith - powerless and aimless.
God calls leaders to His purpose - they are placed in positions of effectiveness for your sake. Make certain the leaders you choose to follow are following Christ first. Be vigilant, Church! Just because a person says "I'm a pastor", doesn't mean God called them to be a pastor and leader of His people.
Examine your leaders. Ask the hard questions. Don't follow others blindly. Be cautious of following those who point everything back to themselves... who use the pronouns (I, Me, Mine) constantly. Look at their trail of fruit - is it ripe or rotten?
Do the work of the Lord by following His teachings and directions. Follow those people who are genuinely helping you to find God's voice, and you will find power for your life. Finding those people requires that you first be equipped with God's ways—pray and ask Him for discernment.
God built you for a time such as this. He equipped you with talents. Now, it's up to you to listen to His teaching, follow His direction - and help those leaders who are truly called by Christ. Today is your day to move.