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. (1 Timothy 4:15-16, NIV)
There’s a hero where you play golf. It’s probably not anyone a tour player would recognize. This hero doesn’t have time for all it would take to make a life of competitive golf. Why? The hero is too busy watching others take their swings.
By the time we’re adults, we may not look at our local teaching professionals this way, but kids are still starry-eyed. Take some time for them, offer them instruction and advice, and they will love and even admire you.
As grown men and women, we’re not above admiring others either. Matter of fact, we’re as prone to going overboard as giggly teen fans. If you don’t think so, let me ask how you reacted when Chip and Joanna Gaines announced they were done with Fixer Upper. If you didn’t love the show yourself, you know a dozen people who did. It was a funny, family-oriented program, and whether or not you connected with their decor, you can still appreciate their work ethic and business savvy.
Paul provided his own soul care, encouraging these young men, inspiring their faith, and passing on the wisdom he’d been given by the Holy Spirit.The real role models we should be looking for in our lives, however, shouldn’t be TV stars or golf professionals. We can learn from all kinds of people, but those who give us what we really need are those caring for our souls. This is what Paul became for many people with whom he ministered. Paul was a team player, and he encouraged men and women, young and old, to gain from each other.
We know of Paul’s instruction to two of his protégés because his letters to them are found in the Scriptures. Timothy and Titus were younger than Paul, but they were caring for souls among the people, serving them as pastors. So Paul provided his own soul care, encouraging these young men, inspiring their faith, and passing on the wisdom he’d been given by the Holy Spirit. Still, Paul placed no stock in hero worship, something we know by way of his strong words to the Corinthians about not arguing over who was the “super apostle” among them.
You may be humble like Paul, not wanting to be known as some sort of spiritual champion. That’s great. But you must be confident enough that God by his Spirit has given you learning and faith to pass on to others. Teach as you’ve been taught; give because you have received.
—
Jeff Hopper
May 10, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THIS SERIES
Rescued from Death 1: Bad Religion
Rescued from Death 2: A Changed Life
Rescued from Death 3: Time to Grow
Rescued from Death 4: The Help We’re Given
Rescued from Death 5: Real-World Disciples
Rescued from Death 6: Lingering Sin
Rescued from Death 7: Our Confidence