Keep a close watch on yourself

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers"
(1 Tim. 4:16).

In Paul's letter to Timothy he instructs the young minister in how to continue to develop and progress as a Pastor. Whether as a Pastor or a lay person in the church all believers have been called and gifted to serve the body of Christ. One of Timothy's major responsibilities as a Pastor was to teach the word of God. But notice that Paul said to Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching." A minister if he is not careful can devote so much attention to the teaching of God's word that he neglects his own spiritual life. Whether we are a Pastor or not if we are going to effectively influence others for Christ we must do so from the overflow of an intimate devotion to Christ. Paul went on to right, "Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." Live a balanced Christian life and you will be doubly blessed as God ministers to you and through you for Jesus sake.