Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. These are the words from 2 Timothy 2:23.
This verse is hard to live by and I am sure others would agree. First, I like to be right. It’s my pride and my flesh likes my pride, but the Holy Spirit living in me hates it. But as I grow in my faith daily I realize just how much I must live this verse out loud, especially as I take leadership roles.
Being a leader isn’t always easy. People are watching you. They watch how you talk. They watch how you tip the waitress. They watch your body language. Most importantly, they are watching your walk with Jesus.
So as I continue to step up in the role of leadership I am learning that my decisions won’t make everyone happy. The words I say won’t be pleasing to everyone. That’s hard for me. I want everyone to be happy and just get along. But I can’t do that. I have to speak the truth. However, after I speak the truth and others don’t agree with that, my role as a leader is to decide whether the next words that come out of my mouth will be foolish and produce a quarrel.
Instead of quarreling I must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. (2 Timothy 2:24)
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26-27.
So, as leaders we are called to:
- avoid stupid and foolish arguments
- be kind to EVERYONE
- be able to teach
- not resentful
- gently instruct those who oppose God
- lead them to the truth
- PRAY
Two of my favourite verses are both from proverbs 18….
Firstly, verse 19: A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
And the very well known:
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Another awesome post, loved it!!
Thanks for the verses and glad you enjoyed the post. Have a great day!
Great blog! I love that you are open to admitting where you struggle. As leaders, being vulnerable is important because it builds credibility and trust. Knowing when to avoid petty arguments is so important and it helps us keep the context that is critical to leading and getting results.
Well done as always!
Brian
Thanks Brian. I wasn’t always so willing to be vulnerable, but thrilled God keeps stripping away the pride layer by layer.
Very good post, SJ! So true. Leadership is hard, which is why more people aren’t leaders. The sad thing is that many people are leaders and do not realize, do not want to be, and do not act like leaders.
Thanks for the reminders!
Thanks. Glad I could help remind you. Have an awesome weekend!