Heralds Digest

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV) One of the greatest disappointments of today's gospel message is the discouraging lifestyle of its messengers. A minister that cannot take heed to himself cannot take heed to anyone else. Needless to say that a doctrine that cannot impact self cannot penetrate others. Sound doctrine is great but only glorious with sound mind. When we hear "Show me the way of escape only when I can see the evidence of salvation in your character", we might have misplaced the most relevant ministry - " Take heed to yourself ".

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV) The impact of the digital invasion on the quality of life today can only be underestimated. Without over-ruling the benefits of the computer age on technological advancement, it is obvious that many evil vices are easily promoted in the absence of sufficient godly engagements of the scientific platform. The truth is that in the midst of all productive physical engagements, careful enrichment of our digital devices with godly contents can turn the tide of invasion to inspiration. Prosperity is measured not by the quantity of life, but by the quality of life - which is the test of spiritual fitness.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV) The doctrine of worldliness needs no special instruction manuals. It attaches itself to everyone that operate within its system. But unlike worldliness, godliness is impracticable without the influence of the Spirit of God. The same God who enables a physical act of righteousness, also works within the heart to justify the motives behind the action. Therefore, a form of godliness without the enabling power of the Spirit cannot influence the conducts of the system of this world for righteousness; neither can it attracts the praise of heaven. Only righteous or godly conduct represents a reliable act of godliness.

"..for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?". (1 Timothy 3:5 NKJV) Whether it regards the office of a bishop or that of a deacon, the home of a man of God is his first congregation and a testing ground for competence. The beginning of failure in every promising home is the subtle desire or wish for another man's wife or children, whenever the challenges at the home-front pushes beyond certain limits. Next to God who sees the heart of a man is the wife and children, who can attest to the sincerity of his message. Therefore, a man who cannot manage the challenges toward his approval at home righteously is not likely to secure the approval of God. A battle-less bishop is not blameless until he is fully tested at home.

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) The pursuit of relevance and respect, especially before the female folks, often drive men away from the potency of prayer. Although the world would tilt toward riches, heaven still count on righteousness as the only support for a prevailing prayer. In times of great provocation and seeming helplessness, holy hands can still hold heaven from breaking loose, if discouragement is not entertained. Irrespective of where we are, or were made to stand, it is how we stand that matters to God - unto whom our supplication comes.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." (1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) Supplication goes for mercy, prayer for needs, intercession for reconciliation, and thanksgiving for blessing. However, it is easier for people in position of authority to attract little attention from most subjects during any petition before God. Many often deny the responsibility to support leaders in prayer, especially when the authorities exercised by leaders threatens the subjects' relevance. Since God ordains authority for organized human governance, unfair regulation of authority cannot relegate the human responsibility toward one another to the background. Even when the weight of authority over a prayer warrior seems unbearable, the responsibility to support the person in the position of authority becomes more reverend, relevant and relieving.

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith." (1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV) Although the making of an Apostle Paul from a little Timothy appears to be subject to an absolute adherence to the commandments of God, the willingness to surrender the heart to the working of the Spirit is the prerogative of the man. It implies that mutual co-operation between the man of a polluted heart and the holy word of God is required in order to achieve the divine purpose. Only a surrendered specimen is open to the tool of God's two-edge sword through the school of holiness, righteousness and faith.