This Wednesday we start our new 6.30 Leadership Course – I hope you can join us. In this post I wanted to put things in context and look at the motivations for being a leader, especially if you’re naturally timid in nature.
In 2 Timothy, Paul is passing on the baton to his young apprentice Timothy. He wants him to step up to the plate and lead. However Timothy is young (1 Timothy 4:12), weak (1 Timothy 5:23) and timid (2 Timothy 1:7) and he must have been daunted by the task that Paul set before him. And he must have felt inadequate when comparing himself to the mighty Apostle himself. So it’s interesting to look at what Paul uses to motivate Timothy and how they compare to what the world normally uses to motivate people to leadership (which is nicely shown in the diagram above).
I have picked up four key motivations (one for each chapter) which all have the same underlying motivation in the end.
(1) Remember that Jesus offers life & eternal life (chapter 1)
When the world offers leaders status and applause in the public arena, Paul offers Timothy the life that Jesus offers. You see Timothy is going to be rejected by people and shunned by much of society (far from the lime light) so he will need something else to look to motivate him. Paul reminds him of what true life is.
…it [God’s grace] has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10)
Paul is saying that Timothy should be willing to suffer in his position of leadership, because ultimately he is receiving eternal life. What he believes in will see him through death, when those who rejected him will have had to face their maker and answer him for their actions.
(2) Remember the Grace that is in Christ Jesus (chapter 2)
When the world says you must “suck it up” and not show any weakness and you will be rewarded for being a hard-working and disciplined person, Paul reminds Timothy of the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
Paul expects Timothy to work hard and be disciplined, but it will not be in his own strength. John Stott says:
Timothy is to find his resources for ministry not in his own nature but in Christ’s grace. It is not only for salvation that we are dependent on grace (1:9), but for service also.
(3) Remember your Mentors (chapter 3)
When the world offers leaders positions of prestige as compensation for the weight of responsibility that they carry and the loneliness that often accompanies leadership, Paul tells Timothy to remember his mentors. Firstly in Chapter 1 he reminds him of his family history and the faith that existed in his childhood (2 Timothy 1:3-4). And in chapter 3 he points to himself as an example of someone who acted with integrity when the pressure of the world and opposition was strong (don’t forget Paul is writing from a Roman prison cell).
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:10-12)
Paul expects Timothy to suffer. In fact he expects anyone who lives a consistent live to suffer. And Timothy should look back to those who have gone before him for inspiration and how the Lord was faithful to them.
(4) Remember the Prize (chapter 4)
When the world offers leaders financial rewards for their hard work, Paul offers Timothy the future of a crown and a reward from God. These are some of the most moving words that we hear from Paul, as we see what motivated his whole life and ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:4-8)
Paul knows in the end he will receive riches, and those riches will be in God’s vindication of him and eternal pleasures.
Summary
Underneath each of these four motivations is the gospel; that we are valuable and acceptable to God because of what Christ has done and not what we have done. Therefore if people reject me and I die (chapter 1); if I feel inadequate and unable (chapter 2); or if I want to go with the prevailing crowd and compromise on truth (chapters 3-4), I remember that Christ has accepted me, loved me and ultimately will vindicate me – therefore I do not need to fear people or failure. His acceptance and my future vindication free me from people-pleasing and fearing failure.
Whereas the world looks to status, finances, public applause or an enduring reputation, Paul offers Jesus. The road will be tough, but it will be worth it because of what Jesus has done, is doing and will do.
So if you feel timid, if you find you fear people or you fear failure, do not discount yourself from being used in leadership in the kingdom of God. I hope you can come on Wednesday to learn more.
