“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience . . .”
(1Ti 1:18-19 KJV)
As the Pastor sat down before his computer, he wondered what New Year’s message to send to each member of the church. How could he encourage them in their faith?
We all know how short-lived New Year resolutions are. We promise ourselves that we will memorize a Bible verse each day then we miss a day . . . then two days and so forth. Sometimes it is the same with our faith. We resolve to do more for the Lord but somehow we never follow through. Yet, it seems that others are able to do great things for God.
Perhaps, we should carefully consider Paul’s words: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3).
Doing more is a great goal, but only as we have the capacity to do more. Careful consideration must be given to personal circumstances, personality, abilities, etc. Let’s not be discouraged by desire. As a young boy at the dinner table, my mother used to tell me: “your eyes are bigger than your stomach.” She meant that I desired more than I could eat and digest. Dreams of greater works are a real challenge for many Christians. We look at the works of others and begin to think ourselves to be greater than we are. Paul argued, “think soberly.” It is a wrong comparison to compare our efforts with the efforts of others. Jesus is our example. He said that He obeyed the Father’s will. Obedience to the Father’s will is all that is required of us, nothing more . . . nothing less.
So, like the Apostle Paul to young Pastor Timothy, this year I charge you to fight a good battle in the warfare of faith; hold firm to your faith; and maintain a clear conscience. If you are faithful in these things, you will enjoy a successful year and win most of your battles.
Jesus promised: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: . . .” (Luke 16:10). So be faithful in the Father’s will for your life!
Dear Father, thank you for the faith you have measured out to each of us. Empower us to exercise it faithfully everyday. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your faithfulness to God’s will,