For the sake of those around you

Paul wrote these words to Timothy in his first letter to him: “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 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 4:11-16)

Paul was like a father to Timothy. I bet he was a great mentor, cheering him on, encouraging him and speaking positively into his life. There is a hint in this passage that Timothy might have struggled with a lack of courage or confidence, but Paul knew him well enough to say, “don’t let anyone look down on you”.

One line that jumps out to me though is, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers”.

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Any good pastor or Christian coach will want to say something like that: In other words, “Don’t let temptation overcome you. Walk away from the wrong people. Keep pressing into God. Keep believing. Keep loving those around you.” That’s the “watch your life” bit. Then, “Don’t neglect the reading of Scripture, listen to sound teaching. Let God’s Word challenge and change you.” That is, “Watch your doctrine!”

But Paul gives an unexpected reason: “if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers”. And your hearers. Don’t just do these things because they are good for you, Timothy. Your life and doctrine affect those around you too.

It strikes me that this is probably true for you and me as well. Our lives and what we believe are not just personal choices. They profoundly touch the lives of those we live in close proximity to – our choices and beliefs affect our loved ones, they influence our work mates, and they rub off on our friends.

Perhaps this adds a new incentive to watching our lives and watching our doctrine. We are not islands. Like it or not, the cords that bind us to those around us also transport our values and attitudes. What connects us can inspire for good or drag down for evil.

Let’s be careful how we live our lives and preserve sound doctrine, not just because it is the right thing to do, and not primarily because of the health and blessing we are likely to receive as a result. No! let’s do it because we care how our lives affect others. Let’s watch our lives and doctrine closely for the sake of those around us.