LiveStrong as a Leader

Cancer Facts:
More than 10 million Americans are currently living with, through or beyond cancer.
More than 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
Of adults diagnosed with cancer today, 64% will be alive five years from now.
One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
Three in four families will care for a family member with cancer. (American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2004)

One famous cancer survivor is Lance Armstrong. His live strong bracelet has become a symbol of the fight against and the celebration of victory over this deadly disease. But as you know, Lance did more than just survive. He excelled. He was given a second chance at life and that motivated him to go beyond anything he might have accomplished without having gone through the valley of the shadow of death. Not only did he excel on the bike, he established a world wide organization to fight Cancer, support those fighting the disease personally, and include survivors in the mission. His organization is called the Lance Armstrong Foundation and it’s symbol, the LIVESTRONG™ Bracelet.

-Approximately 55 million people across the globe wear a LIVESTRONG™ wristband in support of people living with cancer

But there is a disease that is more deadly than Cancer. 100% of humans suffer from this disease. It is a sure thing that those who die with this disease will continue to carry the effects into eternity. Of course I’m referring to the disease of sin. There is a cure, and there is a world wide movement designed to offer that cure and to support those who fight the disease around the world. We champion a mission of leading people to receive the cure for sin and death. Those of us who are survivors of the disease have a responsibility to support the afflicted and to encourage one another to LIVESTRONG.

I want to issue a challenge to all of us this morning to live strong. We, like Lance Armstrong, have been given a second chance at life. This should motivate all of us to not settle for anything less than our best in return. 2 Timothy 2:1 contains Paul’s challenge to Timothy. Listen to what He wrote: "You then my son, be strong (LIVESTRONG) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

LIVESTRONG What if we brought the same intensity to our mission, dreamed with the same worldwide vision, acted with the same burning passion as that of Lance Armstrong toward His mission? Would God use us to impact this world in a practical and positive way ?

Paul gives us an action plan to LIVESTRONG in verses 2-7 .

Verse 2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
Reproduce: make new leaders. Do you have someone under your leadership that is reliable, able to teach others also? Are you modeling reliability and aptitude in their presence? Are you entrusting, mentoring, delegating? Are you encouraging and allowing them to try their wings under your tutelage? In other words, are you reproducing yourself? How can we grow as a church if we do not grow and develop our leadership base. You are the key to that. If you are not reproducing, you are not LIVE(ing) STRONG

Verses 3-4: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs -- he wants to please his commanding officer."
Re-enlist: in God's army. What does it mean to be a good soldier? It means you follow your leaders. It means you trust your fellow soldiers with your life. It means you defend your mission to the death. It means you maintain your focus in battle and believe in your cause even in the midst of criticism. Are you a good soldier? Do you believe in and support those who lead you? Do you trust and support your fellow leaders? Do you present an enthusiastic positive message to those you encourage to join you? Are you a uniting and positive force in taking ground from the enemy? LIVESTRONG! Be a good soldier. Don’t get distracted or discouraged. LIVESTRONG

Verse 5: "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
Recommit: to God's rules. If you play golf with Paul Waldo, you will see someone follow the rules. A key ingredient in his ability to do that is his knowledge. He actually has read and studied the rulebook. He doesn’t push the rules on you, but if you ask, he will tell you what the rules are. In order to follow the rules, you have to read and study the rulebook. Want to be a great leader? Study the book! Want to develop other leaders? Study the book. Examine the leadership principles found in the Word of God. From time to time we offer leadership development courses in the HILL, like the one beginning Sunday night. Are you encouraging potential leaders in your influence to attend? Are you planning to attend. Are you LIVE(ing) STRONG?

Verse 6: "The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."
Re-examine: your work ethic. Lance Armstrong didn't just develp the ability to break every record in the book, he worked hard. Lance was driven, focused, and had a tremendous work ethic. Paul talks about the work ethic of the farmer. I have experienced some of that . Some years we work ed hard and there was little to show for it. Other years the harvest was great. The work level was consistent however. As a Bible study leader, are you farming or are you squatting. A squatter just takes up space on the land in hopes they can stay around long enough to make it theirs . A farmer works on the land he has taken ownership of, and reaps a harvest. Those who LIVESTRONG farm their ministry and help it to bear fruit. They contact absentees. They develop connections with new members. They create new groups as often as possible. They have fellowships, make calls, cook meals, plant the seeds of Scripture, and work hard. They plant, water, and watch as God gives the increase. They LIVESTRONG!

That is the challenge. Live strong as a sin survivor:
Reproduce yourself in at least one other leader.
Re-enlist in God's Army and commit to stay focused and faithful in battle.
Recommit to study the rulebook and live by the rules.
Re-examine your work ethic and work the ground in which you are planted as a leader.
Reflect on the meaning of Paul's charge to live strong. (See verse 7)

2 Timothy 1:7 "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."