AUGUST 12, 2014
Example
That Encourages
Read: 2
Timothy 2:1-7
I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet . . . . I have
given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. —John 13:14-15
The story is told that
in the late 1800s a group of European pastors attended D. L. Moody’s Bible
conference in Massachusetts. Following their custom, they put their shoes
outside their room before they slept, expecting them to be cleaned by hotel
workers. When Moody saw the shoes, he mentioned the need to others because he
knew their custom. But he was met with silence. Moody collected all the shoes
and cleaned them himself. A friend who made an unexpected visit to his room
revealed what Moody had done. The word spread, and the next few nights others
took turns doing the cleaning.
Moody’s leadership
style of humility inspired others to follow his example. The apostle Paul
reminded Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the
things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:1-2 niv).
When we remember that our strength is a result of God’s grace, that keeps us
humble. Then in humility we pass on God’s truth by being an example that encourages
and inspires others to follow.
Jesus Himself is our
example of servanthood. He gave His very life for us.
Lord Jesus, I know
little about humility.
Show me and teach me
as I read about Your
example in Your Word.
Give me the grace
to humble myself and
serve others.
Humility is the result
of knowing God and knowing yourself.
Insight
Paul had been
mentoring Timothy as he pastored a church in Ephesus. Paul instructed Timothy
not only in matters of faith (2 Tim. 3:14-17), but in matters of church
etiquette and order, and in practical matters of conducting himself in a manner
that reflected the grace of Jesus Christ. The importance of the last of these
is reflected in today’s passage (vv.3-6). But Paul didn’t simply give direction
and instruction; he modeled what he encouraged. Modeling Christ to those around
us is one of the ways we demonstrate that He is our leader (vv.2-3). We see this
principle also in 1 Corinthians when Paul told the Corinthian church to follow
his example as he followed the example of Christ (11:1).
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
