1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV): Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
If you desire to be an effective minister to other people, you have to set aside some private time to develop your own relationship with God.
Paul’s words to Timothy could be translated: “Get a hold of yourself….” “Make your own spiritual life and doctrine a priority….”
In his own personal life, Apostle Paul demonstrated this principle:
1 Corinthians 9:27: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (NKJV)
1 Timothy 3:10: You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, (NIV)
Like the Apostle Paul, to properly serve in ministry and fulfill your assignment, it is important to watch your life, doctrine and character closely.
Make your own spiritual life first priority. It is necessary if you are going to serve God and do His will for years to come. Because of his attitude of paying close attention to his doctrine and manner of life, Apostle Paul fulfilled his ministry.
Romans 15:17-19: Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (NIV)
You can only give what you have yourself. Take Paul’s words to heart. Never forget to “watch your life and doctrine closely”
PRAYER: Lord, help me to pay close attention to my spiritual life, doctrine and character. It is your goal for me to follow You and bring others to know you. Help me to prioritize my relationship and walk with you so I can be an effective minister. Help me to fulfill my ministry and make it to heaven Lord. After I have preached to others, please do not let me be a castaway in Jesus name. Amen.