(1 Timothy 4:12) Timothy had the challenge of being a young leader to the church in Ephesus. To set the standard for the church in regards to their Christian maturity, the Apostle Paul wanted Timothy to look at his own Christian maturity. To be an effective leader, you have to deeply grow in Christ. That maturity will show itself in our speech, our conduct, our love, our faith, and our purity. I have heard this said: 'A church will not grow beyond it's leadership." How we want the church to be, depends on who we are in Christ. When fellow Christians are looking to their leaders for spiritual guidance in their lives, they had better be on top of things. Patience is so important for leaders in the Christian community. Spiritual growth and unity takes time. It is a spiritual building project that requires a constant example of the things Paul instructs Timothy in our text. For the church to have the mind of Christ, leadership must lead the way. GP Photo by jscreationzs. Published on 23 December 2012