Watch Your Life Closely
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
When we are committed to walking in the gift of his righteousness we will be diligent in matters of lifestyle and doctrine. When we have done that then others will see the effect of the grace of God in us and desire what we have. Being diligent in the important things will produce noticeable progress in our walk.
That is why Paul writes to Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely. Those who walk with us need to see consistency. They need to see a life that is guided by the word and will of God and they need to hear consistent doctrine that does not change with every new idea that comes along.
Whether you realize it or not, there are people who are watching your example. Paying close attention to these things will not only affect our own relationship with God but it will also affect those who look to us as examples in the faith.
We live in a time of uncertainty and change. People are concerned for their future. They need to see stability. Let them see it in you.
Carefully guard your lifestyle and the things you believe – it means salvation to yourself and others.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace of a life that is consistent with what your word teaches and help me to guard my heart so that I do not fall into error. In Jesus name, amen.
Watch Your Life Closely
Message: When we are committed to walking in the gift of his righteousness we will be diligent in matters of lifestyle and doctrine. When we have done that then others will see the effect of the grace of God in us and desire what we have. Being diligent in the important things will produce noticeable progress in our walk.
Affirmation: I strive toward being diligent in my lifestyle and in my doctrine so that I may be pleasing to God and have a good reputation in my community.
Reflection: God, and people, are watching your life. What God sees will influence the blessing he releases upon you. What others see will influence what others think, not only of you, but also of your God. Give some thought to that that as you go about your daily life.