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If you're in a supervisory role (of any kind, whether it's at home, at work, at church, in your community), you already know something about "getting ahead"—because of your position. But sometimes people in supervisory roles don't know, don't care, or forget about helping others get ahead.

A good supervisor brings other people along in the growth process. Paul did that with Timothy. He handpicked Timothy as his helper, but wasn't content to let Timothy stay in a subordinate role. Paul saw Timothy's potential as a future leader, so he spent time and energy encouraging the younger man's gifts. Their relationship wasn't one of aloof manager to employee, but more like father and son, till at the end of his life Paul could write to Timothy as "a beloved son" (1:2).

In the person of Timothy, Paul was developing a Christian minister. While you may not be developing a Christian leader in your supervisory role at work, you still can bring out the best in your coworkers. (And if your work is supervising children at home, you are helping them develop into Christ followers!) With the right attitude, you can help your fellow workers be even more than they think they can be.

Concentrate on guiding and teaching employees who are less experienced. Ask God to help you look beneath the surface to see the potential of the people he created. Then do all you can to help that potential emerge. (See also Exodus 18; 1 Kings 3:5-15; 4:29-34; Ezra 5:1-6:12; Jeremiah 32:26-44; John 21:15-25; Philemon 8-16; Philemon 15-25.)

Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

What "Timothy" do you need to encourage today?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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