Encouraging Others

"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."


1 Timothy 5:12-16


Timothy needed encouragement.  But Paul provided more than just encouragement. He reaffirmed Timothy's calling.  And he gave Timothy the practical tools needed to face the challenges of ministry - how to live, how to love, how to teach, how to remain passionate and true to his calling.

As a teacher, I am privileged to work with young people.  In my role, I come across students with diverse personalities, backgrounds, cultures, languages, beliefs, and races.  But there is one common thread that I see in all of these young people, they thrive when they are encouraged.  They excel when encouragement is paired with the tools they need to overcome academic or personal challenges.

Chances are, you know people who need encouragement as well - you might even be one of those people.  As I studied this passage, the commentary resonated with what I knew as an educator...people need encouragement and affirmation.  The commentary in my NLT Study Bible highlighted the six principles Paul modeled in providing encouragement and affirmation to Timothy:

1. Begin with encouragement.  People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us.
2. Expect of others only what you expect of yourself.  People resist being held to unfair standards.
3. Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience.  People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them.  Be patient with distracted or slow learners.
4. Monitor your expectations of others.  Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations. 
5. Clarify your expectations with others.  People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified.
6. End with encouragement.  People love to be thanked for a job well done.

Notice that encouragement isn't just saying something positive.  It requires more than just words.  It is encapsulated in your behavior towards others, your expectations of others, the way you communicate with others, and the standards you hold for yourself and others.  Encouragement requires action on our part.  But it always begins and ends with words of encouragement.  

I believe leaders who operate using these six principles are not only well respected and liked by others, but also inadvertently motivate others toward success.  

How we treat others speaks volumes of us as a person and as a leader.  I will be making a pointed effort to implement these six principles in my classroom and in my personal life.  

Peace!

In His Love, Cathy