Read 2 Timothy 2:1–7

I’ve been thinking these days about what makes a church effective. It’s on my mind more and more as I’ve rounded the turn into my 80th year of life. What I’ve come to realize is that part of what makes a church a winsome place is when believers live transparently with one another.

The Apostle Paul challenged Timothy, his son in the faith, to push past the facade and live his life in touch with reality:

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. (2 Timothy 2:1–7)

I appreciate the simplicity of Paul’s words, though often, they’re not as simple to apply to our lives. Yet when we suffer together as followers of Christ, rather than retreating into self-pity and shame, God can work powerfully in His grace to bring about lasting transformation within us. He does this all by His grace.

That’s what makes a church attractive and compelling. When one in our congregation rejoices, we all celebrate. When one hurts, we all hurt. Nobody suffers solo. Are you opening your life to others? If not, why not?

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.