Leadership & Lay Ministry #2 - The Young Leader's Focus
This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we look at what young leaders must focus on.--------------------------------------
God has been at work since the beginning of time to fulfil His own purpose, gathering to Himself a people from all the nations of the world. This chosen people is to be God's holy nation and Christ's eternal bride. In today's devotion we discover that God is not limited by age, culture or any other thing in enlisting people into this program. However, I want to argue that young aspiring Partners in mission must also receive positive encouragement from older Christians. Encouragement from anyone is always good. Encouragement from seasoned saints---especially pastors---builds up young leaders in a pronounced way.
This is what Paul does for Timothy...
| These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Timothy4:12-16) |
It may be helpful for us to consider Timothy's recruitment to this Mission:
In Acts 16:1-2, Paul found Timothy well-spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. As a recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during one of Paul's later missionary journeys. Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). He was probably no older than late teens/early twenties when he joined Paul but had already distinguished himself as faithful, and the elders noticed him. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey.
In this letter, Paul gave Timothy instructions and advice for leading the church. He also exhorted Timothy not to let others look down upon him due to his youth, but to set an example for other believers "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and to not neglect the gift that he had been given. To keep fit for purpose, Timothy was to keep a close watch on himself.
These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
The focussed youth is a formidable Partner in Mission.
Glory be to God!
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Rev. Mamolotje Magagane
Minister at Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, Limpopo Presbytery
