1 Thessalonians 3:1-4a
1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.
Paul’s determination to ensure his people got the best support possible continues to impress any reader. His constant yearning and care for them compels him to think of any and all ways to reach them to encourage them when they had become unsettled by negative reports (gossip).
And it is special to note that he had trained and developed someone so well (Timothy) that to send him in his (Paul’s) place would be like sending Paul himself…such was the confidence he had not only in the man Timothy, but also in the way he had been trained. If you can’t do it yourself, send someone who knows your heart, shares your values and commitment and who you trust!
Paul knew how to choose good people and mentored them to maturity. Jesus started this trend and ‘wrote the book’ on this model with the disciples too! But what an unlikely bunch to invest in to ‘be Him’ in the world! God knows and sees what we can’t – or won’t – see in others.
PRAYER ACTION
Show me Lord, how to surround myself with good people who I can wholeheartedly invest in, and trust, and believe in to represent me to others in the organization - even to the world. Help me make the time, give me the help I need, and they need, to understand their learning and development needs, to uncover latent abilities and good hearts....to unlock what you've invested in them.
“People want leadership….and in the absence of genuine leadership they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand.”
(Michael J Fox in the film, The American President)
Comments