Dr. Howard G. Henricks wrote: “I want to recommend a cord of three strands- a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. An older man building into your life, a soul brother to keep you accountable, and a younger man whose life you can build.” This is great counsel for all people of God because a three-strand rope will not be easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
Builder of Life: God uses other people to build a disciple’s life. There would be someone like Paul who introduced the Lord so that a person could become a follower of the Lord. Not only the sharing of the gospel, Paul equipped, empowered, encouraged, and entrusted ministry tasks to people. People like Aquilla, Priscilla, Timothy, Titus, Silas, and others benefited from Paul’s investment in their lives. They all became Paul’s co-workers and were powerful leaders in the first-century church.
Accountable: Paul and Barnabas were friends and co-workers in the Lord. They were mutually accountable to one another. Even though Peter, who was senior to Paul, practiced discrimination against the Gentile believers, Paul rebuked him. Paul made Peter accountable and challenged him to live according to the tenets of the gospel. (Galatians 2:11-14) Many leaders have fallen because they did not have peers who could make them accountable. Sadly, they were surrounded by people who were cheerleaders or flatterers. Truthful, honest, and loyal friends would rebuke and correct, which is better than kisses of enemies. (Proverbs 27:6)
Equip and Empower: Paul always chose people to be trained, tutored, and mentored by him. Leading only a righteous life and having a good ministry are inadequate. For the Ministry of the Lord to continue beyond a leader’s lifetime, they should equip and empower youngsters who could be successors. Mentoring and leadership development are intentional processes. It will not happen by default. A few ministries were shut down because their founders failed to raise leaders. There is a need for good leaders in all walks of life, including the church.
Do I play the three kinds of people like Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in my life?