Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
"Be diligent!" That's not a phrase, a command you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort — as Paul said, "give yourself wholly to them" and "persevere in them." Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God's power that transforms, our efforts are also required if others are going to see our progress and follow our examples. God assures us that our efforts will bear fruit in our lives and lead others to salvation.
My Prayer...
Abba Father, please stir my confidence, courage, diligence, and determination so that I can share the salvation you have lavished on me can be shared with others through my teaching and my example. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Comments
Archived Facebook Comments
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, April 15, 2016
"God's people need lifting up. They are very heavy by nature. They have no wings, or, if they have, they are like the dove of old which lay among the....."
"Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teachings. Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey him with their whole heart."
"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a..."
Comments
Archived Facebook Comments