Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress, 1 Timothy 4:11-15.
Timothy was a young pastor, mentee of Paul. So, it is not unusual to find Paul giving Timothy counsel on how to carry out his role as a teacher and pastor of God’s people. In this text, Paul teaches Timothy the importance of keeping a lifestyle marked by its commitment to self-preparation, discipline, and focus on the sincerity of one’s life.
Buried in this text, are pieces of wisdom for keeping one’s ministry and one’s life pure.
- Discriminate between the authentic and the fake. There are many people and philosophies attempting to lead disciples off their Way to God.
- Give attention to those things that come from God, and receive them with thankfulness.
- Make it a habit to practice godliness. Never stop doing this.
- Focus on God’s promises.
- Continually find ways to use your gifts. Never quit.
Keeping Paul’s advice is a litmus test for the condition of one’s heart. Is it pure? Is it focused on and devoted to the things of God?
Paul’s advice is a very practical and realistic look at what being pure of heart looks like in one’s relationship to God.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you said that the pure of heart will see God. Perhaps focused on you and nothing else. Please help us to be people who practice the discipline of keeping our hearts pure. Amen.