Today's Reading:
1 Timothy 5,6; Titus 1,2,3
Scripture
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care…” (1 Timothy 6:20)
Observation
Timothy was given a tough job! Ephesus had become a place known for heresy, false doctrine, and strange beliefs, and Timothy’s assignment was to guard the church and defend the Truth in this challenging climate. In fact, it would seem that Timothy was struggling and wanted to quit, as Paul charges him to “…remain in Ephesus…”, and to “…guard what has been entrusted to your care…” Paul was writing in hopes of reminding Timothy of his calling and restoring his passion to guard the church and fulfill the assignment God had given him.
Application
In the face of challenge and adversity I can quickly lose sight of my calling and lose passion for my assignment, so today I am grateful for Paul’s charge to Timothy and me! In fact, I truly believe this principle applies to many areas of my life.
So today’s question: What has God entrusted to me that I should be guarding?
- The Gospel: Like Timothy, we have each been given the Truth of the Gospel to guard and stand for. Like Ephesus, our land is full of heresy, false doctrine, and strange beliefs that are capturing the minds of those around us, and we have been called to guard the Truth. This begins by graciously standing against compromise and heresy and humbly speaking the truth in love.
- My Family: In busy times like these, my mind is often consumed by events, activities, programs, and details, and I forget the importance of guarding the precious family He has entrusted to my care. How backward would my life be if I was “serving” God in the church and not serving my family in my home?
- My Life: Only I can guard my mind, my heart, and my purity, and it boils down to the choices I make. Have I been guarding my mind, heart, and purity with the same fervor and intentionality that I have been guarding the Gospel and my calling in the church?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the many things You have entrusted to me. I apologize for the times I neglected certain areas, and I ask that You would help me better guard the Gospel, the family, and the life You have given me. May I never take any of these things for granted, and may I treat them like the amazing gift that each one is. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
