SCRIPTURE:
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
1 Timothy 4:15-16
OBSERVATION:
Paul encouraged Peter through this chapter to be mindful of his calling in dedication (wholly) and diligence as a testimony to others; both in his life (daily) and in doctrine (the Word). Paul’s encouragement to “watch your life,” was introspective, to look within and to persevere, as perseverance through challenging times will get one through the storm and be a witness to others.
APPLICATION:
This is such an encouragement and affirmation for me in how I should live my life diligently, disciplined, and dedicated – both in my personal life and conduct, and in my spiritual life. I’ve often felt a compelling/guilt-laden prompting to be diligent, disciplined, and dedicated; at times feeling like I’m a little extreme. However, Paul’s words encourage and affirm that these attributes will help me live my life wholly, and that my planning, organizing, and keeping on schedule is a good thing that will help me do well in my personal and spiritual life. The plus is if my diligence, discipline, and dedication would become a testimony to encourage others. The saying of “more is caught then taught,” is so applicable here, whereby, one of our greatest testaments to others in our calling is to be perseverant in challenging times and how the Lord led us through.
I also must temper and balance the discipline and diligence in not being too hyper and focused on schedule and what has to be done, where it overshadows relationship and personal ability. Lanu just recently reminded me of this when I hastily and abruptly began to cut our phone conversation short to meet a scheduled departure. Not good. But was forgiven and redeemed.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for seeding in me the attributes of diligence, discipline, and dedication that I may live my personal and spiritual life wholly, successful, and as a testimony to others. However, may I balance out my “A-type” tendencies to stay relational and be in-the-moment, which also is a testimony.
