For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? - 1 Corinthians 14:8
Advanced communication devices obviously did not exist in the first century. In fact, they did not exist in the last century until radio waves were discovered. For thousands of years, armies relied upon the beating of a drum, the sound of a horn, or even shouting in order to know what to do, and when to do it. Certain sounds or notes (like reveille in the morning and taps at night) communicated various messages and based upon the message received, the soldiers acted as a unit in their response.
What might have occurred if in those crucial instances the bugler had not known the tune that the moment required? Quite simply, the message would have been confusing and the army itself confused.
Leaders are buglers and must be relied upon to blow a clear and consistent message. Christian leaders, in particular, must find the right "notes" within the words of Holy writ or run the risk of "making up the tune as they go." When such leaders lack a clear and consistent message, the result is often confusion, discouragement, and aimless wandering by those who follow.
The Lord's army is in a battle that will continue until His return. Those of us who find ourselves leading others into the spiritual fight have the responsibility of offering consistent challenge, encouragement, motivation, and direction to those with whom we serve. Let us be sure of the "sound" before we blow, but then let us also be true to our Savior and King and be heard by all!
We need a baptism of clear seeing. We desperately need seers who can see through the mist, Christian leaders with prophetic vision. Unless they come soon it will be too late for this generation. And if they do come we will no doubt crucify a few of them in the name of our worldly orthodoxy. - A. W. Tozer
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