Daily Devotion: Wake Up Call

Scripture:
1 Timothy 4

Main Verse:
1 Timothy 4: 15
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.

Observation:
Paul mentioned a few things that a young person like Timothy should keep in mind as a follower of Christ. First, he encouraged him to strengthen the faith of brothers and sisters in Christ by helping them understand truthful teachings vs. inaccurate ones (v.6) . Despite being young, he is to train himself to be godly (v.7)  and to be a good example to others  in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (v.12). He must devote himself to Scripture reading, to teaching, and to preaching (v.14), and do all of these things diligently (v.15). Finally, Paul reminded him that he should live what he preach because in doing so, he will save both himself and his hearers (v.17).

Application:
Diligence is a character that God wants every Christian to possess. A diligent person shows CONSTANT and EARNEST effort to accomplish whatever he is pursuing. As Christians, we need to be consistent, faithful, and devoted to our spiritual habits. We need to have a sincere heart and give these habits serious importance. Do we spend daily quiet times with the Lord? Do we regularly communicate with God, worship and serve him with all our heart, and faithfully support the church for the advancement of God's Kingdom? Do we try to keep a journal of our personal insights when we read His Word, and continuously involve ourself in learning more about the Bible so we can effectively teach others should the need arise? If not, then Paul's reminders to Timothy should serve as our wake up call. Let us change our actions, be more watchful than ever, and more steadfast in our faith. The Lord is coming soon. When we stand in front of the Lord, we will all give an account of what we have done here on earth, and He will judge us according to how we have lived our lives for Christ.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your powerful words. Thank you for your constant reminders, and for shaking me when I need to be shaken. I pray for your perpetual guidance so I can always live a life worthy of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Has done for my life. I desire, oh Lord, to follow your will. May I be able to stand in front of you on Judgment Day, and hear from you, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." This I pray in the mighty name of your son, Jesus. AMEN.