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) Selfishness is the pursuit of self-serving in every service engagement. A selfish man can hardly accept any engagement where there is no clear-cut mode of satisfactory self-serving, before any other fellow is served. While this act is ungodly for all service of earthly rewards, it is encouraged towards the pursuit of heavenly grace. After all, a graceless servant of God cannot serve anyone with the doctrine of righteousness. Therefore, a daily ascent to the hill of the Lord for personal spiritual enrichment is a righteous exception to the concept of selfishness.

"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV) Reproach from men is actually an ugly taste of bad services from detractors. Besides the anticipated discouragement from a good course in life, the target of the architect of ill services is the implied negative impression about the goodness of God. Like the Apostle Paul's admonition to young Timothy, those who will be steadfast with their belief must trust God that all services are good. It is better to trust the testament of the Creator of all creatures than accepting the statement of each creature's service. The goodness in any ill service is not in its taste, but in its trust to safe.

"For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:13 NKJV) Management of people's needs with meager resources can be a daunting challenge, especially for those who are passionate about integrity. Deacons are faced with the responsibility of caring for the needy in the Church of Jesus Christ. To start well does not necessarily translate to serving well, until the servant's temperament is sufficiently tested. Notwithstanding, a dutiful deacon is not distracted by detractor's desperation.

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach." (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV) A desire for the pinnacle of God's purpose for everyone in life is commendable. The only concern remains the want of the willingness to walk every godly desire. Like every other good desires, the position of a bishop is more than the decoration of title; it is rather more about the declaration of good testimonies from the challenges of life. Blameless bishop is obviously not about a saint walking straight without blame; it is probably about a sinner on an adventure of faith, who can't even walk without God holding his hands.

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) The setup of an environment for a solemn assembly invites any spirit-minded man to the prayer altar. Whether on a secluded prayer mountain or within the silent corner of the bed, a praying man will readily lift up holy hands to heaven in a conducive environment, without restraints. Unfortunately, prayers are not designed to be reserved for certain places or zones. Human bodies are expected to be the mobile houses, where prayers are continuously offered. Many ' evils ' are perpetrated without, when the real house within is littered with doubt, malice and anger. A prayer warrior represents the temple or prayer house of impossibility, where holy hands connect heaven and earth.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV) Considering the impact of policy or decision makers on the quality of individual's life, it is easier to understand why leaders are common subjects of attacks. However, apostle Paul's approach proposes prayer for all, including those whose actions impact negatively on one's quality of life. Obviously, it is better to pray for all than to prey on oneself. Bitterness and anger damage the body and mental health of the bearer more than the perceived effect on the target. Whereas, our sights and minds become clearer for better productivity when we pray for detractors, instead of preying on oneself.

"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV) Although the plan of redemption spanned numerous genealogies from the fall of man (Adam) to his salvation (Jesus Christ), the redemptive blood of Christ is ageless. The birth of Christ took place among numerous events; but the evidence of his appearance is incomparable. Without mincing words, the essence of all of human existence becomes relevant, when they are referenced from the finite genealogy, i.e., the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.