16th March 2026
Watch how you live
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
Here in 1 Timothy 4, we are given reminders of what it means to be a good servant of Christ. We have the distinguished figures of Paul and Timothy here before us, but we all are meant to be servants of Christ, the faithful who must also keep watch over how we live. We are just as important to God, and our lives do matter to him. This is more than a show up for services and to make your presence known sort of thing, it is a 24/7/365 sort of thing. There are many distractions in this world trying to drag us off in the wrong direction. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed but enjoyed and lived with Jesus by our side.
We must keep aware of this world around us, but what about the impression we make? I know I am good at convincing myself that that one piece of cake will not really matter, or that I can do my exercises tomorrow, but do I fool myself about what matters to God? We are what we allow to enter into our hearts and minds. I cannot stress that enough. Right now, I am listening to Christian radio in order to block out what is negative around me, and I am allowing it to remind me of Jesus and to feed my soul, to fill myself with the truth of God’s love and faithfulness.
Just as I need to keep watch on my life, I need to be aware of what I teach in word or in action. We are constantly being watched by others. It is one of the reasons I do not drink, because I have learned how just that one small action can be the tipping point for another who is an alcoholic. I would rather give up this pleasure to guard the life of someone born with that weakness. I have witnessed too many throw away their lives in this way. I have the unrestrictive love of Christ as an example to me of giving all for those he loves. I am not saying you should not drink, just that it is somewhere I chose not to go now for the sake of those around me.
There are a lot of rules and regulations given by Paul to Timothy, and to the church, in this letter. These are not meant to take the joy out of life, but meant to ensure love, peace, salvation, and a healthy joy filled life in Christ. Christ is our joy, our hope, our future, and we cannot get enough of his love and presence. So, stay true to yourself, stay true to one another, and stay true to Jesus!
Prayer
Merciful God, it has always been a danger to us to be influenced by others to go the wrong way, but now with technology so easily ready before us, and the ability to create lies and deceptions with the touch of a button, we need your guidance and protection even more. We are drawn away with our eyes, told convincing lies, and drawn away with our own greed and desire for attention and acceptance. Please guard our hearts and minds from these things that draw us away from you. Let love for one another rule in our lives and may you be the centre of our world. All we need is you God. Thank you for this protection and for your eternal and faithful love. In Jesus we pray, Amen.
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Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
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