Called to Lead – The Charge of Spiritual Leadership
“As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7
You’re not called to win arguments—you’re called to lead with Gospel-fueled love.
What drives your leadership—truth that transforms or pride that performs?
Let’s be real - it’s easy to think we’re being godly when we’re really just being loud. We live in a loud world, with many, many competing ideas. The early church faced the same thing. Paul had to leave Timothy in Ephesus to confront people who were teaching junk—myths, speculations, and empty talk dressed up as spiritual authority. Sound familiar?
We can easily get caught up in defending doctrine like it’s a full-time job. Should we let errors go uncorrected then? No. But Paul makes it evident in verse 5 that our charge, our leadership, our correction must lead from love to love. Not love for comfort. Not love for applause. Love that springs from a heart changed and ever-changing by Jesus and a faith that isn’t just for Sundays.
If we lead without love, we misrepresent the Gospel. If we lead without truth, we abandon the Gospel. If we don’t guard both, we become what Paul warned Timothy about - shipwrecked faith
I’m not perfect at this. Hearing wrong doctrine perks up my ears like when people say Lebron is better than Jordan. I know wrong when I hear it! The truth matters. But so does the motive. Leadership is messy, and that’s why Paul’s words hit so hard. They don’t just call Timothy up to a greater love-built leadership—they call us up.
This week, take Paul’s blueprint for Gospel leadership and make it personal:
Pure Heart – Ask: Is there bitterness, hidden sin, or selfish ambition sneaking in? Confess it. Clean house.
Good Conscience – Ask: Am I ignoring conviction or numbing the Spirit’s voice? Repent and realign.
Sincere Faith – Ask: Am I depending on Christ daily or just performing spiritual routines? Get back to real faith.
Pick one of these elements—just one—and intentionally live it out at home and at work. And I mean intentionally, not for applause, not to be impressive, but because you’re called to lead like Christ led–with conviction and compassion.
One day, we'll stand before Jesus. Not with credentials, or teaching notes, or theological wins. We will stand exposed for who we truly are because that's how He sees us. And the question will be: Did you lead with love? Did you guard the Gospel—not just in doctrine, but in demeanor?
Let me encourage you with Jesus’ own words. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” (John 5:24) If you have surrendered to Jesus, you are His forever. No take backs. You don't have to protect Jesus – just speak truthfully and in love about Him. If you get caught up in being right, repent and grow. We grow most in love when we grow from the One who fully loves.
Heavenly Father, make me a man of integrity. Refine my character to reflect Jesus. Let me be a leader marked by love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. When I speak truth, let it be full of grace. When I lead others, let it be from a place of surrender, not self. Guard me from compromise, and guide me with conviction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Motivated Men is part of the LP Men’s Discipleship Ministry that aims to guide and support men in their roles as disciples, servants, brothers, husbands, and fathers, all for the glory of Jesus. We provide counsel, discipleship, and encouragement to help men live out their lives in faith of Jesus with courage and integrity.