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Greetings,
Being as a leader includes the experiences of challenges and heartbreaks as a leader. Paul’s second letter to Timothy reveals some of the personal struggles of leadership. Paul had been rejected, abandoned, and left alone. A leader must be willing to be rejected, abandoned, and even left alone at times for the sake of leading others into the path of life in Christ.
2 Timothy 4:9-16 Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica — Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come — and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
Demas had forsaken Paul because he loved the things of the present world. Others with Paul had been sent to other places. Paul was alone with Luke. He recognized his need of partnership with Timothy, Mark, and Tychicus. Alexander the coppersmith did much harm to Paul and others had been caught up in the plots and harmful strategies of Alexander. Paul requested that the Lord repay Alexander according to his works and that Timothy should be aware of Alexander also. He had greatly resisted their words. At the charges by Alexander to Paul, no one came to Paul’s defense. Paul asked that this would not be charged to them. A leader must not be afraid to set boundaries for the protection and safety of those they lead. They must also understand the difference between those who are lawless and those who are simply caught in deception. A leader will be opposed by some, abandoned by others, and even required to send some for the destiny of their own journey. These are painful breaches in soul relationships. Though there is pain in losing friendships and suffering for being rejected by those you pour your life out for, a leader must still be eager to invite others to come along side of them in their responsibilities as a leader. This is the life a leader as they lead for the sake of life in the community of Christ.
A leader must know that it is God who stands with them. Though they feel alone at times, they must always know they are never alone. They are an expression of the authority of God and not merely ministers to the needs of people. Authority is not some form of hierarchical control. Authority is a testimony of life and proper authority is a testimony that comes from intimacy with God in who each one is in life. Authority is a measure given by God for the sake of others. It is a substance of life given in order to empower us to give life to others. Even as it was in the life of Paul, there will be times when people will abandon a leader. This will even include other leaders at times. Paul exhorted Timothy with his testimony of the faithfulness of God in his life. The Lord stood with Paul and the message was preached that those who did not know God could hear it.
2 Timothy 4:17-18 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
A leader must know that God will support them in their commission of ministry. This even includes a confidence of God’s protection and deliverance. A leader should know that God is with them, and He will do whatever is necessary on behalf of them as a leader. God delivered Paul from the mouth of the lion. A Leader can expect to need the supernatural intervention of God at times. A leader leads in knowing the loving protection of God in their lives. Paul knew that Lord would deliver him from every evil work and would preserve Him. This is the confidence of a leader who knows the love of God. The glory in all things belongs to God.
Paul set an example of a true apostolic leader. He was more concerned with people than he was with numbers. He knew those within his sphere of influence by name. When writing to Timothy he named those in the church that were significant in the church. This was the case in every place that Paul was sent as an apostle. A leader must know that relationships are the foundation of ministry. Even Paul’s appeal for Timothy to come to him was one of relationship, not mere duty of ministry.
2 Timothy 4:19-21 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
Paul commended several who were also doing the work of God and being true to the faith. He knew them by name. Paul encouraged Timothy that the Lord Jesus Christ was with his spirit. Grace would be given to him. Grace is the divine empowerment of God’s Spirit at work in our lives. A leader knows the power of God’s Spirit and the working of His grace in their lives.
2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Food For Thought,
Ted J. Hanson
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