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It was and is a good message for young leaders, but I continue to find it relevant for older leaders as well. I think it is actually a word every believer needs to remember today!

Paul knew that young Timothy would be faced with challenges that he had not anticipated. No matter how well you prepare through education, no matter how many advisors and mentors you have, you will face unexpected challenges that seem overwhelming. In times like these, we need to remember this powerful truth:

“For God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

I emphasized the word “not” because it is fear and anxiety that wells up in times of uncertainty and when facing situations that you simply don’t know how to handle. The mind tends to run to all the worst things that might happen instead of trusting that God’s Spirit actually lives inside of us and will guide and protect us and even equip us for what is ahead.

I was in graduate school in the early to mid-80s when a mentor told me to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7. I read it and even quoted it a few times but didn’t yet realize how powerful and helpful this verse would be to me over the course of my life. I suspect all of us have moments like this where we read a verse of scripture yet fail to digest the power God’s word truly has for us. We often read scripture because we are supposed to but not as a real source of life.

Over the last several months, we have been bombarded with political messages. Both sides of the American political system made the decision to market fear of the other side as a primary motive to get their candidate elected. Listening to the political marketing messages, we are led to believe that if the wrong leader wins, the world is doomed. In this moment of history, we are likely fearful and fatigued.

But let me assure you that Paul’s words to Timothy are just as true today as they ever were in the first century of Christianity. God’s message for us is not to live in fear but rather to live confidently, knowing that his power and love will give us self-control to live and to lead, regardless of the outcome of this election. It may be hard to imagine, but God’s kingdom is not America nor any other country or political system. God’s kingdom is wherever God reigns, and he gave Jesus all authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18), but don’t forget to read the rest of the Matthew’s message: “Go therefore and make disciples.”

Jesus didn’t tell us to go make Republicans or Democrats, though lately that seems to be the suggestion or urgency we have succumbed to. No matter who wins the election, we as the children of God are called to make disciples. And if you have read the “rest of the story” of scripture, you know that God is and will complete the renewal and restoration of all things, not because of any system of government on earth, but rather because of his authority and power that he has given to Jesus, who reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

So, take a breath and remember: God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control. His Spirit will guide us in our personal lives, throughout our work careers, in our family situations, and through this moment of political history. You can have full assurance that God is in control, no matter what you have heard or will hear in the coming days.

Father, thank you for the reminders in scripture that you love us and have provided for us through Jesus. Thank you for the assurance not only of our salvation through Christ but also that you have given us your Spirit so that we do not have to live in fear but can live confidently, knowing that you have the future in your hands. Today we surrender our lives to you, trusting you to use us to share the love of Jesus with others around us and around the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.