Diligence and Law

Toward a New Creation
Life on God's Terms
Love Fulfills the Law

1 Timothy 4:11-16The Message (MSG)

^11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
^15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

For Reflection

Can one ever write a more complete description of witnessing to the resurrected Christ?  We are all called to teach.  Perhaps not in a formal sense but with our lives we, Christians, all teach.  Are we teaching humility or pride?  Are we teaching forgiveness or vengeance?  Are we teaching love or hate?  Are we condemning people or lifting them up?   Some look at the variation in Christian witness and call us hypocrites.  Is our perceived hypocrisy deserved?

Pray

that your witness to the world is one of consistent love.  Pray that you avoid the pitfalls of saying one thing and doing the opposite.  Pray prayers of confession and repentance often.   Pray that your righteousness is fed by the Holy Spirit who resides within you.