The Kingdom of God- Maintaining Holistic Consistency (1Timothy 6:12)/ Rashea@LLO2 Academy
Who is teaching you, leading you, directing you and helping? Who can you look to as a steady mentor? Are they dependable? Do you show up more for them then they show up for you?👀
Are they a good influence? Can their words be trusted? How do they deal with challenges? Are they level headed when gaining victories?
If you need them... will they be there? Do you have to question their behavior because their behavior contradicts their words? Are you and those who mentor you on the same page?
These are real questions. These are important questions. There are reflective questions that we all must honestly ask ourselves and answer when on the quest for trusted mentors and leaders.
Look beyond the name. Look beyond the popularity. Look beyond what's trending and ask yourself, "Is this person one of integrity and trusted character?"
The Apostle Paul instructed the church to follow him as He followed the pattern and guidance of Christ (1Corinthians 11:1). Again He says, pattern and follow the example of God the Father as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). The Apostle Paul understood that Jesus was greater than himself, and he magnified the greatness of Jesus above himself.
The Apostle Paul understood that without Jesus guiding his life and ministry assignment he could lead people astray. However, with Jesus guiding his life and ministry, he could and would lead others to a life well lived! The Apostle Paul through his consistent faith would also lead the church to life eternal through Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, also, understood that the origin of living a holistic life and one's resilience in the faith did not stem from himself. A holistic life and one's resilience in the faith stems from God the Father. Above all... we are encouraged and instructed to look to God as our most accurate example and Teacher in life and in our purpose.
The Apostle Paul was well ripened (steady, consistent and mature) in ministry, in life and in his faith. He understood the highs and lows of navigating through life and ministry, and yet He was unwavering. He had this to say, "35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8
Now that is what I call steady. That is what I refer to as trusted character and integrity. The Apostle Paul was consistent. He was holistic in his approach to life and to ministry.
In life, you are sure to have your share of good moments and not so good moments. You will be tested, rejected, accepted, tolerated, celebrated, groomed, sharpened, stretched, challenged and well... you will grow. Growth and development are signs of maturity, consistency and aiming toward a life that is well balanced.
Life is not just earthly based. Life is not just spiritually based either. Your life must have balance in spirit, soul and body. Conscience and conscious. The invisible as well as the invisible.
It is not good to be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good to those around you. Furthermore, it is not good to be so earthly minded that you are distant from God. Balance. Find your balance.
In the everyday... find your balance. In the challenging moments... find your balance. When you are hitting on all cylinders... find your balance.
If you are out of balance... it is a sign that you are distracted. If you are out of balance... it is a sign that you have lost sight of what matters most. If you are out of balance... you are on the brink of failure, if you do not get refocused and correct what is wrong.
The Kingdom of God brings everything into balance. It develops the highest level of consistency. The Kingdom of God empowers us to live a holistic life unwaveringly.
The Apostle Paul was a good example of unwavering leadership and servanthood to his fellow man. The Apostle Paul was that constant image of Jesus and God the Father in Timothy's life. Timothy was a Christian leader who grew up under the Apostle Paul's leadership.
The Apostle Paul was a spiritual father to Timothy. Timothy was a son to Paul. Timothy was constant in Paul's life throughout much of his journey in ministry just as Paul was constant in Timothy's life and journey.
When it was time for Timothy to take his place, the Apostle Paul urged Timothy not to timid but to rise to the occasion before him. He reiterated that Timothy was tutored well. So there was no need for Timothy to coward or to allow others to intimidate him just because he was a young man in ministry (1Timothy 4:12-16).
The Apostle Paul urged Timothy to take hold of God's character. Continue strong in the faith. Maintain a sound life and witness. (1Timothy 6:11-14). Holistic consistency.
You, too, have the inborn ability not only to be great but to be consistent and holistic. You, too, have the inborn ability to overcome challenges, distractions and disruptions. You, too, have the inborn ability to be well balanced. This too is the Kingdom of God within you.
Rashea@LLO2
