The Apostle Paul coaching his young protege instructs him on restlessness and rebellion in leadership roles. Paul gives his instruction in 1 Timothy 6:7-10 with a clear reminder of priority; “For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either…” [NASB]. It is amazing how quickly we lose sight of key priorities in life. We become distracted.

Consider the definitions of contentment and complacency. Contentment is a feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation. Complacency is a self-satisfaction when accomplished by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. Both of these definitions can lead to satisfaction. Both can lead to an enjoyment of status. However the key difference between these are what separates good leaders from great leaders. Contentment leads to thankfulness to God for everything. Complacency congratulates self for everything. Complacency rests on its accomplishments. Contentment pursues excellence and growth.

1 Timothy 6:7-10: 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [a]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 

As you ponder this ancient wisdom for modern times consider these life lessons on contentment and complacency.

Contentment

• Live in the reality of your current blessing instead of constantly striving for more in your life. You will never enjoy what you have if you are always looking for more.
• When you are content you are liberated to applaud other people’s success without the slightest bit of envy or jealousy. You become one of the loudest cheerleaders for other people.
• With contentment you are free to be absolutely grateful for your many blessings. Living in this manner will allow you to acknowledge future blessings as gifts as opposed to an “It’s about time” attitude.

Complacency

• Decide to make everything else in your life essential beyond the need for food clothing, and shelter. Don’t get me wrong, I am not implying that it is wrong to improve your lot in life. The problem is when your attitude and perspective changes as a result of acquiring more.
• When you decide to increase your income as your primary focus in life is when you start to become ineffective in your current career.
• Make the decision to  keep your money and possessions instead of releasing them. As soon as you clutch your possessions tighter, your possessions begin to clutch you tighter.

Which type of leader are you striving to become? How would you describe contentment in your life? Leave a comment below or share this article on FB or Twitter. Thanks!

The Apostle Paul closed 1 Timothy 3 with an ancient hymn of praise filled with the good news of Jesus Christ. He opens the next section, 1 Timothy 4:1-6 with a sober warning. There is an opposing force against the truth of the gospel that is just as real today as at the time Paul wrote his instructions to the young preacher Timothy.

Paul previously stated the church is to be “the pillar and support of the truth” (3:15). So it should not come as a surprise to learn there will be people who will betray and abandon by conscious choice, the church. You cannot accidentally become an “APOSTATE!” You get into this position willfully. Christ had already warned in Matthew 24 there would be people who would subvert by their will, the gospel of Christ. Subversive doctrines throughout history never come in the front door of churches and announce they are subversive. It is always subtle and by slight of hand. The perpetrators are those whose consciouses have been “seared” as though a hot branding iron has scorched their ability to think correctly.

These hucksters of a false distorted doctrine can play havoc upon the role of Pastor. Pastors generally have spiritual enthusiasm and desire their congregations to be spiritual healthy. However, apostate individuals that believe they are doing God’s will by methods of destruction will show up in our life. In writing his commentary on this passage of scripture author Charles Swindle suggests three observations for Pastors today. I would offer thereto you:

1. Because there is a constant threat of apostasy, it should be a reminder that we are living in scriptures last days. Do not be surprised this occurs, we have been warned scripturally.
2. Satan is the source of all lies and he is quite good at his craft. Credible sounding speakers with pedigree and credentials will have visions and dreams that may divert you and I from scriptures truth claims. Know the truth, study the truth, so that apostasy can be recognized for what it is – subversive!
3. A movement fueled by false teachers can be difficult to resist. Character assassination is not gospel preaching. Pointing out the claims of scriptures is gospel preaching. This will expose the spirit of apostasy.

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The Apostle Paul begins his instruction with these words, “First of all…” Paul is using these words to emphasize the importance of what is coming. Not everything in life can be FIRST. There are things that should be relegated to a lesser position in terms of importance. There are many things in ministry that are not first place items, not every person can dominate the first place position in your life, there must be a prioritization of the greater moving to the lesser. 

So what is this “first of all” that Paul tells Timothy. Entreaties, Prayers, Petitions, and Thanksgivings are the four items that Paul deems “first of all.” So what are we to make of these items?

• Entreaty is presenting a need to God for the sake of having it met.
• Prayer is the most general of terms that usually indicates the discipline of praying to God that includes the bringing of needs to him.
• Petitions are more of a formal presentation of request to an authority.
• Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude or appreciation.

“First of All…” These are not ‘throwaway’ words that Paul is attempting to use a filler words. Therefore the emphasis of what is being said; any vocational minister must place prayer as a matter of first importance in any ministerial context in which they serve. Prayer is a reminder os who is in charge – GOD! Not staff, not congregations and certainly not senior pastors. Ministry is to serve God first and people second. Prayer is not a “cop out” but rather a release from the tyranny of the urgent – our first duty is to pray!

Paul’s use of the word “urge” is not him saying “pretty please.” The range of meaning of this first century term allows for Paul to convincingly win the debate to utterly convince Timothy of the first priority in ministry. That intensity is still present today – we need to be persuaded to make prayer first!

Digital space will not permit the volume of discussion on each aspect of the four facets of prayer. So how do we apply?

• At the top of this list is to make prayer a regular habit. Set aside time daily for prayer and reflection. Pray for those whom you lead. You can do this through the daily routine of life by developing a conversation with God all throughout the day in conjunction with set times of prayer. It almost seems silly doesn’t it to encourage us to pray. Reality says we do not make prayer a habit.
• Secondly, do not set limits on prayer. Satan will argue that you are not spending enough time in prayer. Remove that point by not setting limits on how long is long enough. Also do not fall into the trap of saying that my requests will bother God – “Cast all of your cares upon Him because He cares for you.”
• Finally it would be helpful to consider rejecting all substitutes for the real thing. Before you turn your computer on, before your smart phone, before your praise and worship live streams – KNEEL and PRAY!

What are you thinking on the subject of Prayer? Write a comment and I will do my best to respond. Share this post with a friend!

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Western culture is obsessed with the human body. Diet plans, health club memberships, organic foods, and yes even plastic surgery is on the rise. The Apostle Paul  would write; “…for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.” [1 Timothy 4:8-9 NASB].

Paul is not discounting the value of physical exercise and healthy care for the body. Paul acknowledges the benefit of physical training to keep the body healthy. Paul is pointing out temporal value of physical exercise as compared to the eternal value of spiritual training. Sports was well established in biblical times. The city of Corinth hosted the Isthmian Games – a precursor of sorts to the now famous Olympic Games.

The winners would be crowned, receive public acknowledgement, and have their name engraved on the fortress wall of the city. The point of Paul was not to dismiss physical activity as to say it has NO value at all. It is to say that it does not have the same value as spiritual preparation that carries eternal rewards. The “trustworthy statement” is the eternal worth of godliness over temporal worth of physical fitness.

So what is the ultimate prize for pastoral leaders today? Having a Godly congregation is far more important than many of things that we vest ourselves in today. It is not to say that programs, gimmicks, video productions, music productions, etc are not important. It is to say that when measured against godliness, godliness is to be preferred over all else. Godliness trumps everything!

 What are your thoughts on this passage by Paul to Timothy? What do you say is the ultimate prize for Pastors? Leave a comment below and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner. If this article has spoke to you share it with your social media tribe. Here is a FREE gift for you for spreading the word about Shepherds Advantage:

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Recently in an article from school principle, David McKenzie, I was challenged by the use of action words that can describe leadership intentionality. Being intentional requires work. You work to change your schedule, spending habits, relationships, and work disciplines to accommodate and meet the challenges of goals that have been established. What is the cost if I elect not to intentionally work at being relevant? Well, let us say that the story of the “Emperor’s Clothes” comes to mind, our leadership nakedness is revealed! I would offer some action words – verbs to keep us relevant.

INVEST – As a leader you must invest in your personal growth! The place and the people that you lead can only grow as big as you are. You are the cap or the leadership lid! You must be able to see further, deeper, and faster. You must invest in yourself. What is your growth plan and budget for the next 12 months? Get serious! The journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step.

MEDITATE – Making mistakes many times indicates that you are engaging life beyond your skill set. Turn mistakes into assets by learning from them so as not to repeat them. This is accomplished through meditation. In a noisy world with so much bling and glitter begging for our attention, you must be intentional in establishing times to unplug from the noise, get alone with note pad and pen (the old fashion way) and journal your thoughts and next steps. Can you demonstrate in your calendar for the next seven days your time of meditation?

ABSORB – Maintain the attitude that everyone can teach you something even if it is what not to do. Teachability is humility in action. Allowing others to speak into your life increases the probability of future growth. No one knows it all! This week discipline yourself to learn from others and circumstances.

ACT – Knowledge is only useful if it is acted upon. Unactioned knowledge produces a pretense of being professional. This in turn leads to arrogance. Eric Hoffler’s book, The True Believer, suggest that too much confidence leads a person to believe they do not need to learn or act on their knowledge. We make time for what we value. Does your time management system reflect your values?

What verbs would you write down that are not listed? Leave a comment.