During the last couple of weeks, my Sunday school class has been studying the biblical character, Timothy. I have been constantly amazed at the maturity and level-headedness of this young man. Now that could be due to the time and energy that the great apostle Paul poured into this young man as his friend, confidant and mentor; but, I believe it was in large part due to the willing heart and love of service to the Lord Jesus Christ that made Timothy a real man of God.
Paul was constantly sending Timothy into some of the most impossible situations as he traveled from church to church….often, the bearer of reproach, correction and discipline for a flock gone astray….but, always we read of Timothy’s cool head and diplomacy as he delivered his message from Paul. How could one so young with little formal training become such a great pastor? Let’s look at Paul admonition to his young protégé and see what he took to heart.
In 1 Timothy 4: 7, Paul tells Timothy to “Train yourself in godliness….for godliness is beneficial in every way since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” He continues in verses 12-13 by saying, “No one should despise your youth; instead, you should be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation and teaching”….and in verse 15, “Practice these things; be committed to them so that your progress may be evident to all. Be conscientious about yourself and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this your will save both yourself and your hearers.”
What a great mission statement for young Timothy… and for us. If you are seeking a roadmap that leads to successful Christian living in a wicked and despicable world, follow these words to young Timothy….be an example in what you say, what you do, how and what you love, in your demeanor and in what you put into your mind and body.
Sound simple? Of course….it’s the execution of such a life style that is the true test of who we are and to whom we have committed our lives. Are you committed to live for Jesus today? Are you willing to train yourself in godliness and to practice a lifestyle that honors God?
As a former PGA professional, I have had the opportunity to give many a golf lesson to beginning and aspiring golfers and my advice has always been the same to each of my students, “PRACTICE DOESN’T MAKE PERFECT…PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT.”
Now, if you want to have a good golf swing, you do need to practice; but you need to practice the RIGHT things to accomplish your goals and become a better golfer. Same holds true in living the Christian life….YOU MUST PRACTICE THE RIGHT THINGS…THE “GODLY” THINGS if you want to stand at the Bema seat of Christ and hear those words we all long to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant; enter now into the joy of the Lord.”
How will you stand before your Creator…..trembling because you know that you let Him down or in anxious anticipation for the joy of the Lord?
The choice is up to you ….it’s all in how and what you
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!
Practicing the Basics…..Living for the Reward,
WPQ
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