Qualified Leaders

The churches on Crete had been started by other Christians.  Many of those involved in starting the churches were Jews who had been saved, but were driven out of Israel before they were firmly grounded in the scriptures and still clung to the Jewish traditions, not understanding that while Christianity has some things in common, it is not just an extension of the Jewish religion.  In effect, they were Messianic Jews, living in non-Jewish communities, rather than Christians.  As a result, their teachings were a confusing mix of Jewish and local traditions.   Titus 1:5-6 explains why Titus had been left behind on Crete.   “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. “    He would need to help them get their doctrine (teachings) corrected, and train leaders who would be able to teach and lead the churches properly. 

It impossible to teach others what one to do what one cannot do himself.  Thus, it is critical that the pastor (also called a bishop or elder) be able to do what he is trying to teach the people to do.  Titus 1:7-9 describes the qualifications he must have.  “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” 

If the person is to succeed as a leader setting the moral example, he needs to have a reputation for honesty and sexual purity.    He needs to be meek, not demanding his own way, respecting the opinions and needs of others.  He needs to have patience, not getting angry when people do not do what he thinks they should.  He must not spend his time drinking or partying.  Money must not be a major concern for him.  He needs to be a person who likes having people around, associating himself with those who do what is right.  He needs to be serious minded, and fair in the way he treats people, living a godly lifestyle.  He must be able to control himself, emotionally, financially, and morally.  Finally, he must have a firm grasp and respect for the scriptures in order to prevent people from beilng lead away by false teachers.   

This last qualification is especially important, because as Peter pointed out, there are going to be false teachers in every group.  Titus 1:10-11 warns, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.”  There were many who held to various religious traditions, but some of the most dangerous to the church were those who clung to the Jewish traditions, because they resembled what Christians believe, but place the emphasis on human actions rather than faith in Christ. 

Those who have not been properly taught are especially susceptible to such teachings, and the people of Crete were no exceptions.  Titus 1:12 tells us, “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”   The culture was such that the people of Crete thought nothing of lying about things.  They simply followed their own natural lusts and instincts with no thought as to whether something was right or wrong, and were very slow to change.    To bring them to a truly Christian attitude would require careful, consistent teaching as Titus 1:13-14 advises.  “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”   

Many missionaries who worked with the Navajos accepted the idea that alcoholism was a disease that the Navajos could not overcome.  Because the evangelists and pastors continued to drink alcoholism was a major problem, even among the churches.  Missionaries who took a strong stand had a hard time getting pastors at first, but gradually the problem decreased in their churches.  Similarly, churches that do not take a strong stand for biblical standards soon find themselves accepting false doctrines.  Paul warns Titus it will be necessary to take a strong stand against traditions and manmade ideas that focus attention away from what God commanded.    It is essential that the church leaders be solidly grounded spiritually so that they can take such a stand.    If not, the Christians will never grow to be what God intended. 

Stay True To The Word

Paul advised Timothy to get rid of unsound doctrines, realizing that they would only cause confusion and lead to division and acceptance of sin in the church.  The teachers that teach them are not focused on God, but their own benefit and are to be avoided, as Romans 16:17-18 warns.  “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” 

One of the things to look at in trying to decide if a teacher is worth listening to is the results of their teaching in their personal lives and those of their family.  Far too often the public persona is completely different than the person’s home life.  Hebrews 13:7 advises, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”  Paul had been very open about his life with the people, and Timothy was very familiar with how he lived. 

II Timothy 3:10-11 reminds Timothy of what he knew about Paul.  “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”  Timothy was very familiar with Paul’s teachings, but he also knew how he lived each day in private and what his purpose was.  He had seen Paul’s faith demonstrated repeatedly, aqnd his endurance and patience when people did not do what he hoped.  He also knew how unpopular Paul was and how often he was attacked, as well as his daily struggles with health issues, in town after town, yet Paul did not give up.  Thanks to God, he was able to fulfill his ministry despite the problems. 

Timothy needed to be aware that he would face similar struggles.   II Timothy 3:12-13 warns, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”   Every Christian who allows the Holy Spirit to lead him will suffer persecution.  In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”  The persecution will increase as people turn farther from God. and we are warned that they will.  We need to be worried when Satan and his followers do not attack, because that implies a person is not living a godly life.   As long as people do not serve God, Satan doesn’t bother them very much because he doesn’t want them to go looking for something better. 

We learn to handle struggles by observing other people, and leaders who never seem to have struggles present a distorted idea of what it means to be a Christian.  To be an effective witness people need to see us in real life situations so they can see our faith in action.  There are no perfect people, who have no problems, so anyone who presents such a façade is faking it.   Unfortunately many have been convinced that people will lose respect if they see flaws in a leader. 

We are not to let the persecutions and trial discourage us.  II Timothy 3:14-17 commands, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”    We should continue to follow the scriptures, knowing how they came about and understanding they tell us what God wants.

Our obedience is evidence of our love, as John 14:21 tells us.  “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”  In order to obey, it will be necessary to study the scriptures.  If we will make the effort to study and obey them, we will receive an awareness of God’s presence in our life.   In the process of eliminating false beliefs, we need to be careful we don’t throw out scriptural teachings.   All scripture is given by God and is valuable for teaching us how to please God.   

Human Nature Is Not Good

Contrary to popular belief, people are inherently wicked, as Genesis 6:5 tells us.  “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”   God established certain standards of right and wrong, but over the centuries different groups have modified those standards, sometimes almost eliminating them.   Genesis 6:11 describes what happens when people are allowed to freely follow their natural instincts.  “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”    

In recent years, the old taboos and moral standards have been relaxed, with the result the world is again approaching the state described in Genesis 6:11.   Paul warned us that this would happen in II Timothy 3:1-5.  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

As a result of that unrestrained inherent wickedness, people become totally selfish.   Wanting everything for free, boasting about accomplishments of little value, and too proud to admit they are no better than others.  They do not hesitate to slander other people, and have no respect for their parents.  They do not appreciate what they have received. And have little or no moral restraints.  They have no natural love, not hesitating to kill or abort their own babies and indulging in sexual perversions such as homosexuality, adultery, and rape.  They cannot be trusted, and do not hesitate to lie about others.  They exercise no self-control and are cruel to others, hating anything that stands for right, stealing from and destroying even their own friends and relatives.  They consider themselves smarter and more deserving than others, never admitting they are wrong.  They are far more interested in having a good time than in knowing what God wants.  They may be very religious, but they don’t allow it to interfere with their everyday lives, setting their own standards of right and wrong, in effect setting themselves up as God.    

As Paul warns, we need to avoid associating with such people.  II Timothy 3:6-7 warns that they pose a serious threat to weak Christians.  “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  They prey on people’s gullibility and ignorance, scamming them and playing on their lusts to get money, sex, and fame by constantly promising the next book or seminar or level will give them what they want. 

They are just like the magicians in Exodus 7-9, trying to convince Pharaoh and the Egyptians they were as powerful as God, as Paul mentions in II Timothy 3:8-9.  “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”   

Despite their conviction that they can do as they please and do not have to answer to God,  their foolishness will soon be revealed, Just like those magicians. Who were able to fake the miracles for a little while but in Exodus 8:18-19, they were forced to admit they were nto as powerful.   “And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.  Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God…”  For a short time they may seem to have everything their way, but ultimately the truth will be known.   Human nature will never attain God’s power and authority, even when cloaked in psychology and religious traditions.  To think human nature can override God’s plan is to think we are greater than God.   Galatians 6:7-8 warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”    We can’t let our human nature control us if we want to please God.  

Get Rid Of Things You No Longer Use

I Thessalonians 5:21 commands, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”  As we saw in the previous post, we need to do some spiritual housecleaning, getting rid of false teachings and worldly traditions if we are to be fitted for the Lord’s use.   Otherwise we become spiritual hoarders, so hemmed in by all the rules and false teachings we are unable to actually serve God or enjoy spending time with the Lord because we are so worried about doing something wrong and offending him. 

While we are cleaning house there are some other things like shoes or clothes that we don’t use, that need to be gotten rid of as well.  Why hang on to things we will probably never use when we could exchange them for something we need or could enjoy?  Even if we can’t sell them, getting rid of them will give us a place to put things we do need.    II Timothy2:22 tells us, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  Those old childish desires and cravings are part of the old, natural man and no longer fit the new man.  We need to replace them with things that are becoming to a Christian, that go along with a walk with Christ.   For example, a sinful lifestyle implies we don’t really know the Lord, as I John 3:10 tells us.  “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God…”   Instead, we ought to live in accordance with God’s standard of what is right.  We need to live by faith, because Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Love is critical to our Christian life, as I John 4:7-8 tells us.  “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”  We need to learn to love people, and to live at peace, with ourselves, with other people, and with God.   All these things are part of the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. 

We are surrounded by debates over which Bible we should use, or what style of music or service a church should have, or when the Lord will return, etc.  Many of the debates are not relevant, and others are simply the result of a lack of study of the scriptures.   II Timothy 2:23-26 tells us not to get caught up in these debates.  “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.   And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”  

These debates just result in conflict between Christians.  As Christians we are not to be fighting among ourselves, but to go out of our way to build up and strengthen the Christians.  We are to patiently teach them the truth, not trying to impose our will or beliefs, even when they are clearly in the wrong.  Instead of trying to change them ourselves, we are to allow God to make the changes so that they escape Satan’s tricks.  In our efforts to force change, we may well drive them into Satan’s clutches.  Instead of trying to prove we are right, we should walk away and let the Holy Spirit work.  If he can’t get them to change we surely can’t, and there’s no use trying to do his job.  

Doctrinal House Cleaning

The founder of a famous Bible college and seminary used to tell his students the easiest way to draw a crowd was to start a fight.  We see this principle applied in many areas of life today, from political parties and protest groups to religious and business organizations.  Many of the controversies of history have arisen as a result of someone deliberately starting a fight over some relatively unimportant issue.  Luther is often credited with starting the Reformation, but in reading his ninety five theses, I was struck by the fact that initially his main complaint was that the Catholic Church in Rome was requiring the local parishes to send so much of the money they collected to Rome for the construction of St. Peters that the local parishes were being left destitute.  When Rome retaliated, he began to study the scriptures in an effort to defend his position, with the result that his doctrine changed dramatically.  Unfortunately, what drew the crowds was the conflict, rather than his doctrine.  Sadly, people still view conflict as exciting. 

Paul gives numerous warnings about such conflict. Pointing out in I Corinthians 3:3 that it is evidence of a carnal, unspiritual mindset.  Many times the conflicts arise over the meanings of certain words in passage of scripture.  II Timothy 2:14 warns that rather than drawing people closer to God, such arguments drive them away.  “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” I Timothy 6:4 describes the attitude of those involved and such arguments, and the results of those disputes.  “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”  While it might be the easiest way to gather a crowd, it counterproductive as far as producing strong Christians. 

II Timothy 2:15-19 tells us how to avoid getting caught up in such debates and conflicts.  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 

We need to take the time to study the scriptures thoroughly, keeping in mind that as II Peter 1:20-21 tells us, no passage of scripture is to be interpreted in a way that contradicts other scriptures.   “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  Simply taking the time to find out what the scriptures say will eliminate all the disputes except for a few minor questions of semantics, or how we express the same principle. 

We need to avoid being sucked in to the profane or worldly and meaningless debates, because they are about building a person or group’s reputation rather than about learning the truth.  The conflicts will cause constant irritation like a canker sore, encouraging people to ignore things God has actually said.  God’s word does not change to fit the newest doctrinal fad, but remains exactly the same.   Some of those who adopt the fads are not really Christians at all, but fortunately God knows who is and who isn’t.  God’s people need to obey him, not just go along with the false teachers. 

In a modern home there are containers that have tremendous value, such as the dishes and cooking utensils.   Others such as used plastic fruit containers and bags need to be thrown away, there are teachings in the church who are of great value and others that just get in the way of spiritual growth.  This is the illustration Paul used in II Timothy 2:20-21.  “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.”  If we throw out the garbage, then our house will be much more satisfactory for God to live in.  

Committed To Christ

If we are to remain faithful to God we must make a commitment to obey his word and trust him.  This will not always be easy, as II Timothy 3:12 warns us.  “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”   Sometimes, it seems hopeless to keep on serving God.  II Timothy 2:3-5 instructs, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

A new enlistee in the army has to go through basic training to give him the mental and physical toughness to face the situations he may face on the battlefield.  In the same way, Christians need to develop a mental and spiritual toughness to face the persecutions and attacks by Satan and ungodly men in this world.   Like the soldier, we must be ready to drop everything else to concentrate on serving God, and like an athlete competing for a prize, we must follow the rules, in this case God’s guidelines if we expect to receive the rewards for serving him. 

Before we can teach others to trust God or to walk in the Spirit, we have to experience it ourselves, as II Timothy 2:6 reminds us.  “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.”  If the farmer has never eaten properly, or if he doesn’t eat the fruits of what he produces, he will be unable do the work required.   We will not have the mental and spiritual toughness we need to withstand the persecution and privations we face, until we experience them, and we will definitely be unable to teach others to have such toughness.  .   

Much as we might prefer to avoid the trials, they are just as necessary if we are to serve god as it is for the soldier to go through basic training.    Without those experiences we have no understanding what it means to truly trust or serve God.   The trials we face are critical for us to learn to trust him.  II Timothy 2:7-10 tells us, “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.  Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.  Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” 

Jesus, God’s own son had to go through the suffering of death to accomplish God’s purpose, as Hebrews 5:7-10 tells us.   “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”  If he had to go through such suffering to serve God, we ought not to think we are too good to go through similar suffering.  Matthew 10:24 tells us, “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”   We are not better than the Lord.

Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God and made our salvation possible because he willingly suffered those things.  If we are to receive God’s blessings and rewards, we must be willing to suffer the trials he gives us.  II Timothy 2:11-14 tells us, “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.  Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” 

Those who remain faithful even in suffering will receive the rewards he has promised.  Those who by their actions deny him will miss their rewards.  God is going to do what he said, whether we believe it or not.  He will not change to satisfy our ideas.  I Corinthians 3:13-15 tells us, “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”   We need to be very careful in teaching others, to make sure they understand these principles, because arguments about what God meant serve no useful purpose for christians serving only to subvert or draw people away from the truth.   

There Is Nothing To Fear

Chronologically, II Timothy precedes I Timothy, because it was written before Timothy became a pastor, to teach him how to develop his spiritual life in preparation for the ministry.  It gives some valuable instructions into living a daily spiritual life.  Paul starts of by reminding us that if we are Christ’s, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, in II Timothy 1:6-7.  “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 

We have no reason to be afraid of what is going on around us or the temptations and false teachers who try to mislead us.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome those temptations and take control of our minds, overcoming addictions and emotional instability.  The various attitudes forming the fruit of the Spirit are all closely related to loving people, and the Holy Spirit has given us a new mind, the mind of Christ.   As a result, we can move confidently through life.  We will no longer be constantly seeking some special sign as to what we need to be doing, knowing the Holy Spirit will guide our logical minds to make valid decisions about everyday affairs.   We can understand that the problems people face are not always their fault for not following the Lord, but in fact may be something God has caused to accomplish his purpose.   Instead of fearing the problems, we can embrace them. 

II Timothy 1:8-12 commands, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

When we understand God is accomplishing his purpose in us through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than through our efforts, we no longer panic when things don’t turn out the way we expect.  That Paul had been arrested or persecuted did not mean Paul was doing wrong or that Timothy should be embarrassed about being associated with him.   I Peter 4:12-14 reminds us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”  God is keeping track of how we have served him, and will reward us accordingly at the proper time.  In the meantime, the sufferings and persecution we experience for obeying God only accentuate the wickedness of those who reject God and accuse his followers of evil.   We demonstrate our faith in Him by obeying him and thus glorify God, testifying that he is faithful. 

With that in mind, II Timothy 1:13-2:2 commands, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”  We need to remember the things we have been taught, not in a fleshly determination and effort, but through the faith and love which comes through Christ.  We will be able to accomplish the job God has given us by the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every Christian.  Everything we have was given to us as a gift from God, and he has given us the responsibility of sharing them with others who can then pass it on to people we may never meet.   It is critical that we teach those we win thoroughly so that they can train those they win.