Whoever possesses these three things, he is of the disciples of
Abraham, our father; and [whoever possesses] three other things, he
is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. The disciples of Abraham,
our father, [possess] a good eye, an humble spirit, and a lowly soul.
The disciples of Balaam, the wicked, [possess] an evil eye, a
haughty spirit, and an over-ambitious soul. What is [the difference]
between the disciples of Abraham, our father, and the disciples of
Balaam, the wicked”? The disciples of Abraham, our father, enjoy
[their share] in this world, and inherit the world to come, as it is
said: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance and
that I may fill their treasuries, but the disciples of Balaam, the wicked,
inherit Gehinnom, and descend into the nethermost pit, as it is said,
But thou, O God, wilt bring them down to the nethermost pit; Men of
blood and deceit will not live out half their days; But as for me, I will
trust in thee.

Interesting words from the Talmud on what I can assess my disciple qualities from.

Paul gives me three dimensions of discipleship too in Acts chapter 20 – devotion to the resurrected Jesus, devotion to Jesus’ teaching and devotion to the way of the kingdom.  The work ethic of Paul was the tangible expression of these three things and the verse that grabs me is at the end of the chapter:

You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:34-35  ESV

I want to give the gift of time in order to strengthen those in need in my community.

When I look at this chapter I see the beginning of the commission of Timothy into ministry. False teachings coming into the body of Christ was a concern that Paul had. It would even seem that those teachings would not be coming from the outside but rather from the inside.  It will take a strong hand, and strong character and one who has these qualities to lead this church and keep them on the way. I pray that my leadership growth will see these qualities in me as I follow Jesus.