MAY 17 – TRUSTWORTHY

 But you, Timothy, have followed my way. You have seen and heard my teaching. You have seen that my behavior has been consistent, and my purpose has never changed. You know the trust, perseverance, love, and patience – along with the inevitable persecution and physical torment. You know that God has always rescued me. (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

                   Can your people trust you? Have you given them unconditional love? Have you been careful to be consistent in your behavior, regardless of who you’re dealing with? If it costs you, even greatly, do you stick to the vision and values you have communicated?

                   Paul is encouraging Timothy in a way that will help him understand trust. First, he explains that the noted false teachers of the day will soon be recognized as the frauds they are. People will see through them, and their deceit. Then, he explains to Timothy how he will gain credibility; how he will prove himself to be trustworthy. In a word, consistency is that answer. But, it is deeper and richer than that. Real consistency means being the same in your stated purpose and your actions. Real consistency requires that you be the same person in harsh circumstances, and that when facing difficult challenges.

                   Make it your sincere goal to be trustworthy today, the Lord helping you.

MAY 16 – THE MAIN IDEA

 He (God) wants everyone to be saved; to know the truth that there is only one God, and one way to Him – Jesus Christ. He surrendered His life so that all people could have life. This, just this, is why I was called by the Lord – to tell this good news to those who haven’t heard. (1 Timothy 2:5-7)

                   What do you communicate to the people around you? Do you have a clear understanding of why you are where you are, and of the purpose of the work that you are doing?

                   Paul obviously knows exactly why he is there, and what he is to do, and he repeats this message many times over – especially to young leaders he prepares for their work. People often dwell on exceptions. The urge, particularly with people who know a subject well, is to communicate about failures or special, extraordinary events rather than the basic, main idea. Many of your people may lack understanding of the very important purpose that is the reason for the work. If so, they will not process your messages about the exceptions in the way you intend. They need to frequently hear about purpose, vision, and values. Communicate that message clearly, so they can understand. Context matters if you are to empower your people to represent you.

                  Know your main things. Talk about them often. Your people need this.

MAY 15 – CONTENT

 I am not telling you that I need anything; because I have learned, whatever the Lord provides for me or whatever I lack, to be content (Philippians 4:11)

                   Are you content – right this moment? Or, do you want more – something you don’t have? What is your most prized possession? Could you be content if it were destroyed or otherwise taken away? Could you give it to someone else if the Lord asked you to do that? ….. And, still be content?

                   As he thanks the church at Philippi for sending gifts to him, Paul explains that the excitement he felt when he received the gift, the true gift from his perspective, was their growth. He was far more grateful that they responded to the need with love than he was to receive the gift. So, he is careful to explain. All he needs is Jesus. To lose everything else can be accepted. Whether freedom, possessions, people, or his life, he would be content. God, who is Paul’s provision for everything he truly needs, is enough for Paul.

                   Let your people know today that all you need is Jesus. Be sure they know that’s what you want to form them. Help them understand that following Jesus is always the best thing they can do for themselves – and to please you.

MAY 14 – ACT RIGHT

 Don’t be content with simply hearing God’s word. You can agree with it, and believe it is true. But, if you’re not acting on that truth, thinking it enough to simply agree, you are mocking that Holy Word. Don’t deceive yourself – or others! (James 1:22)

                   What are you doing today to act on your trust in Jesus? When have you put yourself on the line in a way that the plan fails without His action – because He told you to do it? To truly believe, every part of you; every aspect of your life must be fully invested in following and obeying Jesus. There are no carve-outs where you can maintain control.

                   This challenge to, “act on that truth,” doesn’t mean to simply dream up a work to do for God, and then go do it because you believe. It is a much more challenging charge. To act on the truth of the Lord is to submit to His authority and constantly communicate with Him, listening for - and immediately acting upon what the Holy Spirit calls on you to do. Whether the task is large or small, the same answer applies. Simply obey.

                   Believing, trusting, following; all these words mean action. Act today.

MAY 13 – GO HOME AGAIN

 Jesus did not let him come. Instead, he told the man to go home and tell his people all the great things the Lord did for him while he was helpless and unworthy. (Mark 5:19)

                   What the Holy Spirit leads you to do will spring from your experiences in life, and the things that the Lord has done for you and has taught you. Many people, especially those accustomed to leading, look for big, important assignments thinking that is where they will find great purpose.

                   In this story, Jesus has cured a man who had been suffering for years. Legions of demons had taken over his life. He lived in the caves alone, and from there he terrorized the townspeople. In a moment, Jesus transformed his life. So, he wanted to go with Jesus, and be a part of His great mission in the world. Jesus had a different plan. He sent the man back to the people he had terrified. When they heard the story, they were amazed! They knew the change that come, and could appreciate how Jesus had done the impossible.

                The work begins with your people. It is important work. Don’t be reaching for more than God leads you to do, but go exactly where He tells you to go.

MAY 12 – TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS

 People can’t give their lives to Jesus if they don’t believe in Him. They can’t believe in Him if they aren’t told. How will they hear if you don’t tell them? (Romans 10:14)

                   Do your people know that Jesus is the reason for, and the source of, your vision and values? Have you told them your story that gives context and help to them in understanding why your life and work are so wholly devoted to the Lord? It is important that you do so.

                   Paul explains in the preceding part of this letter, that many have a form of religion that seeks to please God. Their lists of rules and series of rituals and sacrifices may give these people a sense of comfort. The projects they have designed to win God’s favor may be expensive and far-reaching. However, it is only by fully entrusting every part of their lives to Jesus that they will find meaning and purpose in life. It is the reality of your story, the one which has motivated you to seek the Lord’s vision, that can give your people hope to dare to believe they can do this as well.

                   Have your people heard about the real, powerful life in Christ that is available to believers? Tell them about Jesus. Tell them about that life.

MAY 11 – ACCOUNTABILITY

Earnestly, sincerely, and frequently challenge and encourage each other – every day – so sin won’t become habit. Don’t allow sin to harden you, and lead you away from truth. (Hebrews 3:13)

                   When you see one of your people violate the values you have established, do you address it? Immediately? Often, to do that is uncomfortable. It may be inconvenient, and there are certainly risks associated with confrontation. Accountability is hard. Accountability can be costly to you and to others.

                   But, look at the goal of such accountability. Here, the writer of Hebrews observes the true goal of consistent accountability. It is the prosperity of the person being challenged. Accountability is one of the most sincere and practical ways to show love for another person. In that light, remember the characteristics of love described by Paul (1 Corinthians 13). Love is patient, calm, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, seeks the truth, and – importantly – never stops. If these characteristics are present in your work of accountability, it will help you and your people find that prosperity that you both seek.

                   Take courage. Hold your people to account – with love – even when it is costly or hard to do.