Give God Your Best: 1 Timothy 4:14-16
“14) Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15) Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16) Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:14-16
It’s sad to see the way some Christians coast or drift along with no thought of self discipline or diligence. The same is true for many in ministry. These verses run very contrary to that mindset.
If you doubt that God wants those in ministry to work hard, consider the following four phrases from these verses: “Do not neglect”, “Take pains with”, “Be absorbed in”; “Pay close attention to” … yourself and your teaching. Paul was telling Timothy to apply himself diligently to fulfilling his calling.
Paul took both Divine Providence and human responsibility seriously. Saint Augustine addressed this paradox by saying, “Pray as if it all depends on God; work as if it all depends on man.” I believe Saint Augustine got it right. He lived between 354-430 AD. His quote reflected the theology of the early church.
My personal motto at GoServ Global is that “it’s our job to tell the story, it’s Gods job to move the mountain.” Biblically, I see that God and His people frequently work together in tandem. Paul saw himself as a co-laborer with Christ.
God certainly does not need man to accomplish anything He desires. At the same time, He empowers His people with the Holy Spirit and Spiritual gifts to qualify them for His service. It is a joy, privilege and honor to be a servant of God. It is fully understandable that God would want us to give Him our best effort.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global