Leadership Tips I

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Touching the “butt*” was the infamous distraction that led Nemo astray, causing him to get lost. If Nemo had not swam out to the middle of nowhere, he wouldn’t have been kidnapped and thrown in a dentist’s fish tank. It can be too easy to get lost in our main goal when there is a “butt” to touch.

Distractions are the enemy of a godly leader. It’s not because God hates all downtime and recreation; it’s because distractions want you now, while your mission lies ahead. The world is constantly bidding for your time, energy, and talents.

Paul tells Timothy to envision his ministry like a soldier. A soldier’s job is to obey his commanding officer. He is not free to fight any battle he wants, but only the one he has been assigned to. Even if the order is difficult (see hardship), the only direction for the soldier is to overcome it.

Leaders must develop a life plan that glorifies God, or they will be vulnerable to distractions. Through prayer, an honest assessment of your skills, and the recommendations of your leaders and peers, you can achieve a singular focus as a leader. Even if you are not a full-time missionary or a pastor, you should set a goal to share God’s love and teach the scriptures. When that goal is set, commit to it with the same determination as a soldier.

Figure it Out:

1You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

2 Timothy 2:1-4

  1. Circle any words or phrases that are significant to you. What makes them so important?
  2. What was Timothy’s goal according to verses 1 and 2?
  3. How can the mentality of a soldier help keep Timothy on task?
  4. What is your personal ministry goal, and how can you keep it at the forefront of your mind?

*I know it is a boat, but I couldn’t resist.

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