Jesus Style Leadership 3 - Crop & FaithParaugs

Don’t Be Timid

Leadership Lesson

The gifts of Jesus-style leaders must be fanned into flame.

Read 2 Timothy 1:3–7.

Comment

Timothy was a softie. He cried when Paul had to leave (1:4), and it seems that he was timid by nature (1:7). For Timothy, leadership was a significant burden. It’s true that some Christians will handle leadership more easily than others. If you find leadership responsibility challenging, then you have a friend in Timothy. But Paul reminds timid Timothy of two things: (1) Timothy had great support (1:3-5). His mother and grandmother had been wonderful examples, and Paul was standing with him. This group had prayed for, supported, prepared, encouraged, and taught him. You too will find that there are people in your corner praying for you, assisting you, and cheering for you. Don’t worry, you are not working to produce a Crop by yourself. You have a team of backers who believe in you and want God’s best for you. (2) Timothy was gifted by God. We’re not told what this gift was, but I suspect, in the context, that it was spiritual leadership. No matter whether you feel confident or not, you too have been gifted by God. But this gift needs to be “fanned into flame.” You do this by using it. Don’t be timid. Take some risks, use your gift, discipline yourself, and trust that God will powerfully use the gift(s) He has given you to produce a Crop.

Prayer

Thanks for the people you have put around me to encourage and teach me. May I listen well to their wisdom and encouragement and model myself on their character. But they can’t fan my gift into flame. That’s my job. Please be with me as I take risks and try things I feel nervous about. Grow and empower my gifts, Lord. Build my confidence.

Personal Reflection

Are you more like Paul (mostly confident and hopeful) or more like Timothy (often timid and pessimistic)? Give examples. Remember that God uses all types of personalities to produce a Crop. How can you fan your gift into flame?