Pay Close Attention

Reflections on 1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NRSV)

12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

I have used this verse often with the youth of the church, but this phrase from Paul to Timothy is used in the context that Timothy is given pastoral responsbilities over people. Timothy was young, but he was a man that was gifted and ordained by God to serve the people. His calling was to set an example for the all believers in his speech and his conduct—His WORDS and DEEDS. I have heard several times in the past 7 months references regarding my youth—I receive those comments, but hope my life is an example to believers (not a life of perfection, but a life of repentance).

13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.

I love this command to Timothy. Read the scriptures first and foremost. Read them publicly. The proclamation and reading of the scriptures God will use. People need to read the word in order to believe it. Then we are to exhort, urge them, encourage them to believe and follow the Good News—it is a matter of urgency. Lord, help me to be a pastor and friend that reads the scripture aloud and proclaiming the urgency of following Jesus.

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

We are given gifts and are affirmed of those gifts by the leaders of the Church. Lord, help me not to ignore or downplay my gifts, but develop them and use the for your glory.

15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Lord, help me devote myself to the gifts that you have given. May I use them for your Kingdom and your glory. May people see my development not to glorify me or for my praise but for yours and that my life may be an example to follow.

16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

This passage took me back the most. It gives me permission to pay attention to myself—to care for myself. I need to be diligent to my life and the teaching that comes from me—and then the reward is not just for me, but for those that hear me. I have been entrusted with the message of salvation. Lord, may I be diligent and pay close attention to my life and teachings so that people may fall deeper in love with you.