Written By Ben Dankaka
Meditation – 2 Timothy 2:3
One of the main reasons why leaders fail to lead effectively is because they aren’t aware that every leadership position comes with its own challenges. In most organizations, including Christian groups, some leaders are under the illusion that leadership positions are comfort zones. They get to the top, with the assumption that their positions would shield them from hardships. They begin their careers as leaders hoping that their leadership journey will be a smooth and steady ride. So when problems hit them, they give up easily because they were not ready to deal with hardships. Because they weren’t trained to endure hardships, many leaders squirm whenever challenges hit them. When leaders aren’t prepared to confront and endure hardships, they would certainly be unable to lead effectively. As a leader, you must realize that challenges and all sorts of hardship will come your way, whether you are a Christian or not.
So Paul, in his second letter to Timothy said to him, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Recall that the major theme of that letter was leadership. As a young pastor, Timothy needed some guidance on how to lead his church. As part of his counsel, Paul wanted Timothy to recognize that “enduring hardship” was expected of him. Notice that Paul said, “endure hardship with us.” In other words, Timothy was made to realize that he was not the only the one saddled with the task of enduring hardships. Like Paul and the other leaders of the Church, Timothy was also going to face his own troubles as a leader. But like a good soldier of Christ, Timothy was to endure the hardships. Because of that counsel, Timothy prepared himself. As you take on that leadership position, be mentally prepared to endure the challenges ahead!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to endure hardships. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.