Thanks for the question, I'll do my best to answer it.
"It seems to me that the
Bible teaches conformity in many ways, in other words, there are only so many
leaders and the rest should follow."
Two questions here, first Conformity.
The Bible does teach conformity however we have the choice to either obey or do
our own thing. The Bible is many things & one of them is "how best
to live life." Now WE think we know how to live life, but do we? Do you? I
don't. God created humans; I'm learning what it means to be human. I assume He
knows best how we should live life in a world which is corrupt by sin. Too, do
we actually think we are free from conformity if we don't conform to the Bible?
This is foolish. We are mastered by whatever masters us. As I often say, just
because you realize your ability to choose doesn't make you mature. I
constantly choose the wrong thing. God has never chosen the wrong thing when
I've followed his ways. Lastly, here's something I tell people: When I choose
to express my "freedom," choosing to do my own thing I discover
bondage; when I bind myself to Christ I always find freedom. When conformity
always leads to freedom what do we call that?
Leadership within the church. The
irony in this question is that ANYONE can become a leader within the church.
That said, most people choose not to take responsibility for anyone other than
themselves. Leadership is both a calling & a choice. God calls some to
leadership; however God calls everyone to grow up, become like the Father,
& take responsibility for the story of redemption ("we are
ambassadors in Christ."). Sadly, most people remain infantile in their
theology & are solely concerned about their own welfare & not
the welfare of others both inside & outside of the church. Anyone can
become a leader within the church, including, & hopefully, men of God
like you.
" individual nature of
human beings."
This is an odd cultural
assumption we read into the Bible. God himself isn't an individual. The story
of mankind has never been about individuals: Adam was given Eve; Noah &
his family; Abraham & his family; Joseph & his brothers; Israel
being THE main character within the Old Testament; Jesus & the twelve;
Paul & his companions; The Trinity. In America we STRESS individualism.
Is this right, wrong, or different. I say different; however we have to
understand how this effects our theology. Do we have individual nature? Yes.
That said, Paul make it plain that Christ is honored above all creation because
He gave up His rights for us. Once again, am I most important to me or us? Who
am I living for me or us? Is my faithfulness for me or us? Will my life be
given so I can feel important or can I see the value in those who will never
know me, maybe not appreciate me, but can benefit from me using my individual
nature to love what God loves: People. & how does God show his love to
people? The people of God living for the purposes of God: CHURCH. Watch the
movie: Of Gods & Men. What a privilege we have in being able to be
church with each other & the world. Too, we don't lose ourselves in others;
we truly find ourselves as we give our life for others like Christ gave His
life for us. "Whoever saves his life will lose it, whoever loses their
life will find it." Do we believe this?
Hopefully this answered your
questions. If not write me back & ask away. I think God intentioned for
us to meet & you are an incredible man of God.
Blessings,
Sean
