Give yourself wholly

Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. - 1 Timothy 4v15

Today’s verse is a follow on to the yesterday. Yesterday we were reminded of the importance of giving ourselves to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. All through this section Paul is talking about the importance of diligence in serve with phrases like ‘stir up the gift,’ and ‘don’t neglect the gift.’

Here is tells Timothy how to do all of this – mediate on these things and throw yourself into them. Give yourself wholly, give yourself entirely, there is no room for half-heartedness.

I know some avid sports fans. These guys go crazy for their team. They have all the clothing, accessories, knick knacks, toys and gadgets to go with their team. Their emotions wise and fall with how their team plays. They throw themselves headlong into supporting their team.

Others throw themselves into their work. They seem almost workaholic at times ans everything in their lives goes into work.

Athletes can do the same, becoming obsessed with the next big game, match, or event, All that matters is succeeding in their sport.

This is the kind of intensity Paul encourages Timothy to have in his walk with the Lord. Give yourself fully Timothy, throw yourself into the ministry. Stay at the stuff, give it your all, don’t back off, and keep the fires burning.

I am challenged by this. Too often my ministry is just what I do. May I learn to throw myself into with the kind of fervour and intensity God desires.