I went to sleep last night asking God to give me a word or Scripture for use in a meeting today.
I woke up at about 2 a.m. and 2 Timothy 1:7 was planted firmly in my mind:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-control.”
It is quite easy in church leadership to adopt that spirit of timidity. It’s the spirit that wants to offend as few people as possible, the spirit that endorses the status quo, the spirit that says don’t fix what’s not broken.
The spirit of timidity leads to death in churches.
That’s why the spirit God does give us is fascinating to me. Look at the balancing act necessary between power, love, and self-control.
Usually people with great power have little love. Many times, people consumed by love forget their self-control. And self-controlled people are often too “in control” to demonstrate much power.
In Christ, God gives us the marvelous mix of all three.
Hearing that word is worth waking up in the middle of the night.
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Amen! I know that I personally struggle with that balancing act. Some of the attributes are much easier for me than others. I believe this is another reason to stay in community and allowing others to help me know when the balance is askew. Of course the community must also have that balanced spirit to be able to present correction an effective and loving manner. It’s a good thing nome of us are in this alone!
You’re so cool. Thanks for being you. -Ben S.
Hey Talbot!
Long time from a seminary buddy.
Time for a reunion with our small group with John Tschetter!!
That is my life Scripture.
have great stories about getting it in the middle of the night,and all over the world.
Great thoughts on it!