“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
I began working for a church when I was 23-years old. Most of the people in the church were older than I was. Several were founding members of the church while I was not. Many had been following Jesus longer than I had been alive. Nevertheless, I was placed in a position of authority. I found myself struggling to learn how to earn the respect of those who were at times older and at times more mature than myself. I tried to make myself look older through how I dressed, how I spoke, and how I carried myself. Eventually I discovered the vital leadership lesson that Paul teaches Timothy in these verses.
Any leader can eventually earn the trust of almost any follower of Jesus. There is a simple formula for earning that trust – simple to understand if not to act upon. The formula is this: maintain a consistent ministry. Simply put that means one thing: make sure that you live your life consistently with the message that you teach. Some leaders choose to have double standards – one set of expectations for those they lead, but a different set of expectations for themselves. Eventually that kind of hypocrisy reveals itself. Authentic leaders hold themselves to the same standards they teach.
Here’s your freedom for today: don’t worry if some people you are leading haven’t bought into your leadership yet. You can win over almost anyone with consistency and integrity. There is no shortcut to winning over people to your leadership. That’s ok. People should expect leaders to earn their trust rather than demanding it. If you find yourself in that position as a leader, don’t panic. Most people are just waiting and watching. If you are faithful in following Jesus and faithful in your leadership, they will follow you eventually.