Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 21, 2014
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2
People are a priority for God—they are on His heart. Jesus died and rose from the grave for people. The earth is filled with people and heaven is populated with people. God created people in His image and they are a product of His grace. The Lord’s holy desire is to enjoy and bless His people forever. People matter much to Christ.
Thus, as an image bearer of Almighty God our prerogative is to love people. When we love the Lord, we love what He loves. Oh what a privilege to pour into people on behalf of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are all a work in progress and the road of relational investment can be bumpy and disappointing—but how rewarding to see faithful people flourish.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
Who at work needs your patient attention and time to learn how to become the best at what they do? If you train them well, there is a good chance they will exceed you. When you work yourself out of a job, others are blessed and you have the joy of staying fresh in a new challenge. Indeed, investing in people pays off for all.
Is there a young and insecure mom or a struggling new dad who needs your words of wisdom and your affirming support? How many families flounder for lack of confidence and understanding? Take the time to teach others truth and practical tools— they will grow in their knowledge of how to be the best in their God-given roles.
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40).
Most of all, train faithful men and women who can train others in the art of godly living. Use work as a laboratory to do what’s right. Capitalism becomes corrupt without the infrastructure of character, so model integrity in your financial dealings. Be honest and forthright with information, so all parties understand the consequences of the contract.
Fathers and mothers take the time to train up your children. Help them to understand the “why” behind “what” they need to do. Training in godliness is messy, but sweet in its Kingdom outcomes. When we take the time to train on the front end, it saves us a ton of money, time and tears on the back end. Therefore, pray about how to invest wisely in those the Lord has given you to oversee. Look for reliable disciples who will reproduce righteous living.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Related Readings: Daniel 1:5; Acts 22:3; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 5:14
Post/Tweet today: Training in godliness is messy, but sweet in its Kingdom outcomes. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Henry Cloud video-Boundaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93BU_ZbLXR4
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