Day 5

Read 2 Timothy 2.1-7

We looked at love in action yesterday and we’ll look at another aspect of that as a leader today. We’ll spend the next two days in the second chapter of 2 Timothy. The apostle Paul encourages Timothy to be a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus and continue in Paul’s footsteps. If we want to be change makers, we need to equip others to be change makers.

God has put leaders and potential leaders around us. What do we need to equip the reliable people around us? What do they need to know and do in order to be bold change makers for Christ?

The second part of the passage helps us answer those questions. Paul tells Timothy that following in his footsteps is going to cost him. As Paul writes this letter, he’s suffering in prison. Paul’s been beaten, shipwrecked, and much more. Timothy needs to be prepared for his share of suffering.

Christians are still persecuted in parts of the Middle East today. In the U.S., we don’t face that level of suffering, but following Jesus will still cost us. Some people may think we’re crazy. Some people may not want to be around us anymore. Our family may push us away.

Following Jesus will require the unwavering devotion of a loyal soldier. There is no room for stuff that doesn’t honor Jesus. It’s a race and it requires running it the way God dictates. Jesus obeyed the Father completely and perfectly. It takes the consistent, tedious work of a farmer. We persevere as we anticipate the harvest.

This is easier said than done. As we live this out, we can hear some of our family or friends say, “This Jesus stuff is way too important to you.”

And we humbly respond with something like, “Jesus is everything to me. I can’t believe He gave His life for me, and I want the world to know how awesome He is.”

It is so powerful when people see Christ in us. Some may reject us, but others may want to know the difference Jesus makes as they seek to find meaning and purpose for their lives. May God guide us and use us in those moments!

Prayer

God, give me the strength to lead. Help me to discern the willing people around me who I can help equip to be the leaders You’ve called them to be. Help me to know the best ways to do that. Give me the devotion to honor You and You alone. Give me eyes to see those things that are distractions and not honoring to You. Give me strength to run the race You have set for me. Give me patience and perseverance. Use me to equip the people around me to be bold change makers for You. Amen.

Going Deeper

Who are the willing people God wants you to develop as leaders? What is keeping you from being totally devoted to Jesus? How does it affect you and your leadership? How does God want you to deal with it?