Day at the Races: And They’re Off! — Friday
1 Timothy 4:16
Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. (NLT)
If I was going to paraphrase this verse, it would sound something like this: Check thyself so you don’t wreck thyself. Paul’s letters to Timothy are helpful to us in a lot of ways—one way being their usefulness as a sort of measuring tool. They have some incredibly practical guidance for the lifestyles of leaders in the church and believers in the faith.
For example, in the chapter preceding today’s verse, Paul instructed Timothy on the qualifications for elders in the church. Now, I’m not an elder (and never plan to be), but if I read the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and go, “Well, none of this applies to me… I’ll move right along into the next chapter!” then I am missing key wisdom on what the life of someone worthy of leadership looks like.
What I can do is check myself against that wisdom. Do I have self-control and a good reputation? Am I gentle and not quarrelsome? What are my habits of consumption, and how am I managing my money? If I measure myself against some of these things, it becomes clear to me where I can say, “Yeah, I’m on track” or “Ope! Better get that in check if I’m going to be a person of influence… and better have the humility to say that, so I don't wreck my life and others in the process.”
If we preach and teach sound doctrine, it must be reflected in a wholesome life of integrity and godliness. Our words are made believable by our actions. That is not something to resent. You’re not missing out on anything by keeping your life pure. In fact, by keeping our living in line with our teaching, we show those around us that there is something eternal at stake and that we’re serious about the faith and hope we have in the Savior.
Friday’s Reflection
Take a moment to examine your life. Are there inconsistencies between what you say or believe, and how you actually live your life? What things do you need to give to Jesus so that EVERY part of you is submitted to Him? Ask Him to help you see those things and be transformed to live them out.
