Today is Tuesday, February 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version 
   

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.  
 

Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? 
   
I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life.  

As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.