1 Timothy 4:15 (ESV) — 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so
that all may see your progress.
NOTE: The phrase
"immerse yourself" is the Greek word, isthi,
and means "to be (quality)." While "to be" occurs many
times, the second person imperative present occurs only 5 times. Paul is
telling Timothy, and other leaders to be the person they preach or teach. I
think we confuse this command. We try to be the "knowledge" but not
the "character quality." Our focus should be to: " … set the believers an example in speech, in conduct,
in love, in faith, in purity. (4:12)" It is not enough to know the
scriptural teaching in these areas, we need to be these things. Most of us are
much better criticizing another than being the person we are criticizing the other to be. I think it
is also a trap of knowledge. The more we know without application, the worse we
become. We would be better off spending more time applying a truth than
learning another truth.
PRAYER: Father, as a
teacher, this hits home for me. I strive for knowledge and I love learning, but
who am I? I want to be an example of godliness, kindness, empathy, service, and
self-sacrifice. I don't just want to teach it. Thank you for how you have
changed me. Help me not to be so critical of others. I need to be critical of
myself and pray for others.
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