Jesus Style Leadership 3 - Crop & FaithSample

Leadership and Suffering

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are not afraid of suffering.

Read 2 Timothy 2:3–7.

Comment

Here we go again with more pictures of what leading Jesus’ way looks like. This time Paul chooses the illustrations of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. The common themes appear to be suffering and discipline. Producing a Crop with God doesn’t come naturally or easily. It means laying your life on the line to serve Jesus. As Paul is writing to Timothy, he is doing just that. He is languishing in a freezing dungeon (4:13) and chained like a common criminal (1:16; 2:9), all because of his leadership role in Jesus’ church. Paul invites young Timothy to join him in this suffering (2:3). I bet Timothy had to think hard about that invitation. By now, you should be getting the point that Jesus-style leadership is going to mean great effort and some suffering. Paul is challenging his apprentice, Timothy, to commit to the cost. Our leadership call will require giving up some nice things (like a soldier), doing things the right way (like an athlete), and working hard before we see any results (like a farmer). If you want a pleasant, easy life, don’t follow Jesus, and most of all, don’t follow his call to lead. But remember the results of Jesus-style leadership – victory (like a soldier), a great reward (like a winning athlete), and a share of the crop (like a farmer).

Prayer

Lord, please help me to discipline my life (like a soldier), to stick to your directions (like an athlete), and to work hard when there are no immediate results (like a farmer). I’m willing to suffer for the Crop you are going to produce through me. I know that what I do for you will last forever and bring your reward.

Personal Reflection

What is serving Jesus and leading others costing you? It could be time and effort. It could be the weight of responsibility. It could be disappointment. It could be rejection by some people. It could be having to patiently wait. It could be a feeling of failure. Take some time to reflect on the costs and commit again to Jesus’ calling.