I’m staying with this same passage we read yesterday. The apostle Paul faced the task of managing finances, overseeing projects and being responsible for other people’s investments.
It was a fund-raiser for the struggling Christians in Jerusalem.
What we see are timeless principles to live by, whether we are leaders or not. But if you want to be a leader then these are essential principles.
“Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honour the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honour to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.” 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
- Transparency. Not when problems arise and not when there’s an enquiry but from day one throughout life to the last day. Let people see your life. “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.”
- Community. Keep choosing people to walk with you. There may be exits but always recruit. Build constantly the community around you who align with your values. “Titus ….the brother … our brother.”
- Rationale. Explain it. Especially if people are going to be impacted by the decisions you make. “we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
- Scrutiny. Plan for it. Your life will be rightly examined, for how can anything be proven if it’s not been put in the refiners fire? “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
- Honour. Give it. Especially to those who help you, who are around you and part of your team of life. “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honour to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you.”
We can be thankful for Paul’s handling of the money and his approach to his leadership giving us powerful principles for our own lives.
Missions Paul 