FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

Timothy is a well-known character in the Bible. Paul first met him on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4–14:27). The name “Timothy,” Timotheos in Greek, occurs 24 times in the New Testament and means “one who honors God.” When Paul arrived at Derbe and Lystra, he took the young man as his missionary associate (Acts 16:3). Timothy was a disciple of Jesus Christ and of significant reputation among the believers (16:2). Those who observed Timothy’s life and interacted with him found something unique about him. Everybody sensed that Timothy was different; he was a man of faith, commitment, and character.

Paul praised Timothy’s faith (2 Tim. 1:5). Paul commended the spiritual heritage Timothy had received from his mother and grandmother. These ladies nurtured the young man to love God and Scripture. They helped him set his life and priorities from an earlier stage in life. They fed him the truth and thus His life was established on sound doctrine. Timothy’s faith was not fake; it was sincere. Sincere faith means possessing an earnest trust in God, not professing religious words, but in a life conforming to God’s Word. Biblical leadership is the path of faith in God and His Word.

Timothy was a committed man (Philippians 2:20–22). Paul chose him because of his dedication. From the day Timothy joined the apostle Paul, their relationship became intimate, as a father is to his son. Paul described Timothy as “a faithful child in the Lord” (1 Cor. 4:17). That is a profound description. It denotes integrity and trustworthiness. When Paul asked Timothy to follow him, Timothy did not waiver. He followed the path he wanted, and he pursued what he loved. The young man had a love for Christ and was willing to set everything aside to serve His Master. Biblical leadership arises from one’s love and commitment to Christ.

Timothy was a man of character (Acts 16:2). Leadership is all about character, and character is influence. God uses people of character who take their call to lead earnestly and humbly. Earnestly because of the weight of their calling, which is leading God’s people. And humbly because they acknowledge their need for God’s grace to lead in a manner that is pleasing to God.

Warren Wiersbe’s writes, “Christian leaders are people, who, by faith, willingly use their character, abilities, authority, and opportunities to serve others and to help them reach their fullest potential, to their benefit, the benefit of their organization, and the glory of God.” The aim of Biblical Leadership is to influence followers so that they too live for the glory of God by being conformed to the image of Christ.

What kind of leader are you?

Cherif Arif is originally from Cairo, Egypt. He has a passion for teaching and preaching the Bible. He is involved in equipping pastors and leaders in the Middle East.