When Paul set Timothy as the overseer of the church at Ephesus, he gave Timothy detailed instructions for the care of the church and his conduct as the overseer. One of the things Paul told Timothy was to “let no man despise or look down on him because of his youth, but instead be an example of the believer in word, in conversation or conduct, in charity or love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity” (I Timothy 4:12). Please notice the first thing Paul told Timothy to be an example of the believer in, was “in word.” Yes, that’s right; it is “in word.” Paul is telling Timothy that if he wants people to respect him and not despise or look down on him, he needs to honor his word by being consistent in all the things that he says. Interesting thing to have first on the list, isn’t it?
This same notion of honoring one’s word also applies to so-called born-again believers. The born-again believer needs to be in a position where his or her word counts for something. A truly godly person will not say one thing and then in turn, do something totally contrary or opposite to what was first said because suddenly it becomes inconvenient or there is a change of mind or heart. “A godly person will honor his or her word no matter what, even to his or her own hurt” (Psalm 15:4). As you read today’s message, we pray that it will be an inspiration to you as well as a blessing. Please share this message so that others may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings. - KW
No comments:
Post a Comment