Scripture

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” – 1 Timothy 4:16.

Observation

In the Apostle Paul’s letter here to young Timothy, he is encouraging him to let no one despise the work of God in him because of his age. Paul then encourages him with a spiritual To-Do List, of sorts, that will keep him on track as a young minister – be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity, and so on. Then Paul ends by saying, “take heed to yourself” and in so doing, you can save not only yourself, but others. These are not just words of encouragement to the young, but for the “mature,” too.

Application

Sometimes the challenge of growing older in age and in the Lord, is that you may have the tendency to feel like “I’ve arrived!” You may say, “The zeal and passion I once had as a young believer, well, that was for then, I’m mature now. I’ll leave the exuberance for the young at heart.” As we move on in life and become older in our spiritual age, we need to continue to “take heed” to ourselves so that we don’t lose our youthful, spiritual vigor that got to the place we are today. And, in doing so, we will save ourselves, and those around us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to “take heed” every day to keep my heart young and on fire for you, and to resist the urge of emotional complacency and spiritual entitlement as I grow older in You. I want Your Word to continue to burn in me. I want to keep your flame of love for others at the core and center of my world. Amen.

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