The Marks of Leaders Worth Following

Weekday Posts
Written By Dean Collins

In order to determine which leaders and teachers to listen to and follow, Paul outlines the differences for us so that we can make a choice. Honestly, Paul is clear which leaders to follow, but I am putting these characteristics in a list so that whenever we are confused about who to listen to or whose example we should follow, it is clear.

Paul spelled it out in his letter so that both Timothy and the church would understand that no matter how hard we try to prevent it from happening, we will discover spiritual leaders and other leaders masquerading as noble and honest, and we will be tempted to trust and follow them.

Pulling from the sixth chapter of 1 Timothy, we find these characteristics outlined. As you read this list, consider the temperament and character you want in your own life and the characteristics of those you are being led by or want to follow.

Puffed up with conceit
Understands nothing
Unhealthy craving for controversy
Quarrels about words which produce envy dissension, slander, evil suspicions and constant friction
Imagining that godliness is a means of gain

Or…

Understands that we brought nothing into the world and cannot take anything out of the world
Content with the basics of life: food and clothing
Pursues righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness
Fights the good fight of the faith
Takes hold of eternal life based on their good confession in the presence of witnesses

As we read the scripture passages below, we discover that one group is motivated by material things and a material focus. The other is motivated and led by spiritual and eternal attributes.

Paul gives his protégée and us a divine charge and reminds us of our confession of faith. And as Paul challenges us, he breaks into a beautiful prayer that we will end with today:

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

We must choose daily and choose wisely who we will listen to and follow.

Your Time with God’s Word
1 Timothy 6:3-21 ESV


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Dean Collins

Pastor, campus minister, counselor, corporate employee, Fortune 500 consultant, college president—Dean brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to his daily walk with God’s Word. 

In 1979 he founded Auburn Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational campus ministry that still thrives today. In 1989 he founded and became executive director for New Directions Counseling Center, a service that grew to include several locations and counselors. In 1996 he became vice president of human resources for the CheckFree Corporation (3,000 employees) till founding DC Consulting in 1999. He continues part-time service with that company, offering executive leadership coaching, organizational effectiveness advice, and help with optimizing business relationships.

His latest pursuit, president of Point University since 2006 (interim president 2006-2009), has seen the college grow in enrollment, curriculum, physical campus, and athletic offerings. He led the school’s 2012 name change and relocation from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia, to Point University in West Point, Georgia. Meanwhile, he serves as board member or active volunteer with several nonprofits addressing issues ranging from global immunization to local government and education. 

He lives in Lanett, Alabama, with his wife, Penny. He has four children (two married) and five grandchildren. He plays the guitar, likes to cook, and enjoys getting outdoors, often on a nearby golf course. 

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