Leading the Way, Showing the Way
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Command and teach these things.… Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:11,15-16 HCSB
Paul’s letters to Timothy serve as the “leadership manual” for ministry. Paul was a “spiritual father” to Timothy. His desire was for Timothy to be effective in his ministry and to see the church grow through his example.
Paul gives very specific criteria for leaders in the church; for both “overseers” and “deacons.” In these qualifications it reveals that an individual must be more called and verified, than just “selected” to serve. There was the expectation that their lives in the church, in their family and in the community revealed they were worthy of trust, respect and confidence.
Paul instructs, he warns, he admonishes his co-worker. As he does we see some direct admonitions. Paul tells Timothy to “command and teach these things.” Timothy was not just to “know” he was to “tell.” Paul did not qualify by saying, “command and teach these things if they are popular or will be readily accepted.” One great preacher of the past stated that his job was to, “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” Timothy has responsibility to encourage and correct in order for the church to be what Christ intended.
Paul told Timothy, “If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 4:6 HCSB)
Paul also let Timothy know of his personal responsibility. Timothy was to lead by “showing the way.” Consider the multitude of Paul’s admonitions to Timothy, “..train yourself in godliness…” (1 Timothy 4:7 HCSB) “…be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.“ (1 Timothy 4:12 HCSB) “Practice these things; be committed to them….Pay close attention to your life and your teaching…” (1 Timothy 4:15,16 HCSB)
When you consider the responsibilities that Timothy had to communicate instructions to others and the challenges directed at him, the weight of the focus is on the leader. Leaders are not and don’t need to be perfect, but they do have to understand the weight of their responsibility. As Paul points out it, is not perfection, it is “progress.” Paul says the bottom line is, “you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 HCSB)
Prayer for today…. “Lord, I recognize that I need Your help to live the life I need to and to be the example that You call me to be to my family and to others. Help me to keep focused, to stay vigilant, to pursue growth and to follow You.”