Practice What You Preach

“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)

Just recently, my friend texted me a photo. This photo was one of those cool optical illusions. When I first looked at the photo, all I could see was a bunch of squares and crooked lines. But then, my friend told me that all the lines in this photo are straight. I thought to myself: “There’s no way!” But when I looked closer, I could see he was actually right. The offset squares in the image make it look like the lines are crooked when they are actually parallel.

Sometimes, we only catch things when we look closely. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul tells Timothy to look closely and be very attentive to two things: his life and his doctrine. Why are those two things so important? Because if he watches them closely, he’ll save both himself and his hearers. When Paul refers to “his life,” he’s talking about Timothy’s example before others. When he refers to “his doctrine,” he’s talking about his core beliefs.

Our lives can be clearly seen by other people around us, whether we like it or not. The way we set an example for how to live is important! But what determines the way we live? Our doctrine! What we believe about God, ourselves, and the world sets the tone for how we make decisions. That’s why Paul tells Timothy to watch both his life and his doctrine closely. He also Tells Timothy to persevere in them, meaning to not lose heart or to give up! He has to fight for believing the right truths and act in a way that reflects those truths. And if he does, he will save himself and those around him.

So, what does all of this mean for us? I was challenged recently with this truth: People around you will be changed by who you are, not by what you teach them. Your life and your doctrine matter. Not just because the people around you will be changed by them, but because you will be changed as well!

Pause: Why is doctrine so important? How do your core beliefs impact the way you live?

Practice: Take some time to really reflect on and analyze your life. Don’t just speed through life. Take the time to look closely!

·Does my life currently reflect someone who is fully surrendered to Jesus (not perfect, but surrendered)?

·Would my friends say I set a good example of how a Christian should live?

·How much time have I spent thinking about my own doctrine and what I believe about God, myself, and the world around me?

·What can I begin to do this week to watch my doctrine more closely and establish my own faith, not just accept what others have told me?

·Who can I meet with to discuss my doctrine and what I believe?

Pray: Pray about your answers to these questions. What is God trying to tell you?