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There is a lot to think about while processing someone’s paperwork, sweeping floors, selling vacuums, or teaching calculus. Paul distilled it into one clause: think about how Jesus thinks about things. Think about his humility.

Our culture is obsessed with appearance. We experience this all the time. This obsession can easily dominate our lives. So much concern about outward appearance can distract us from what matters most: the state of our heart. When we realize that God knows our hearts, we are motivated to pay more attention to what’s on the inside than what’s on the outside.

One of the things I love about the Bible is its realistic portrayal of its heroes. We see them in their glory and in their shortcomings. They both inspire us and model for us behavior that we ought to avoid. The realism of Scripture underscores its trustworthiness even as it teaches how we ought and ought not to live.

Sometimes we can sense that God is working out everything in our lives... Yet, there are times when we simply cannot fathom God’s work in our lives and in our world. It can feel as if God is distant or even cruel. We look around and see all things in disarray. Our own hearts share in this disorder. Thus, our faith that God is working out all things according to his will can be sorely tested. When this happens, we need God's help to hold fast to the truth of Scripture.

Though we should be wise when sharing personal stories, the example of the Apostle Paul and his colleagues encourages us to tell the truth about our failures and God’s amazing grace.

Written by Guest Contributor. Categories include De Pree Journal.

Paul’s young apprentice, Timothy, was privy to the suffering that the apostle experienced throughout his journey to destiny. He would accompany Paul on his visits to the early churches. It was Timothy who would visit Paul in prison, where he would see this great leader in his most vulnerable and weakest states. Amidst trials and difficulties, good times and bad, Timothy personally witnessed Paul’s commitment to his calling and purpose. These examples spoke clearly to Timothy, when Paul charged him to “keep his head in all situations.” Paul was preparing Timothy to withstand the pressures of life that would surely come, so that he might excel in providing clear and precise leadership to others.

Our relationship with God will help us be leaders who are unafraid to be fully human. If, like Nehemiah, we can come before God with open hearts, knowing that we are accepted and loved, then we will find freedom to be prudently vulnerable with others. We will do this, not for our own benefit. Rather, as Lencioni observes, we’ll open our hearts “for the collective good of the team.” And, I would add, for the good of all of those we serve through our leadership. If my team is working well together, for example, then we’ll do a better job serving you.