MAY 31

1 Timothy 4:12-16
Memorise 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

WHAT WOULD THE RESULT OF RIGHT MEDITATION BE?

In 1 Timothy 4:15, Paul’s instruction to the young pastor Timothy was to meditate on all that he had been taught. To give himself entirely to this requires diligence and constancy. Such inward spiritual discipline would certainly yield outward progress in Timothy’s life. It would be a life that would profit much, that would visibly bear spiritual fruit as it would “appear” to all around him in all aspects of his life. The result would be an abundant pastoral ministry and a church advancing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. This would be Timothy’s, and any pastor’s greatest desire – to see the salvation of lost souls, and to see his spiritual children growing in their faith.

The ultimate goal of meditation is not just to have a sort of personal growth that remains hidden. You may claim that you are regular in your Quiet Time, and are constantly meditating upon God’s Word, but does that result in a changed life? Does it bear fruit that edifies others and glorifies God? With knowledge and understanding, there must be wisdom manifested by application! Christians are called to be the salt and light of the Earth.

Would a person who truly knows and understand God’s Word keep it to himself, shun fellowship, service and Bible study? Or would he be someone who does not make any progress at all in his spiritual life? ‘Of course not’ and ‘that’s certainly not me!’, you might say. Perhaps so. Our spiritual progress must appear to all, in all things. Are there people in your life that you struggle to be a good testimony to? Somebody whom you find so difficult, or some whom you even consider an enemy? Are there areas in your life in which you find it easier to be more spiritual and faithful than others? You may be diligent in service at church but lazy at home or school. Or perhaps vice versa. Perhaps this is you?

Realise that when we truly meditate on God’s Word and apply all that we learn into our lives, it would certainly result in real and effective change in our lives. That is the power of the Word of God. Has your life been changed? Can the people around you see it?

Thought: What attributes of the fruit of the Spirit do you struggle to exhibit? Are any of these attributes optional?
Prayer: LORD, may I strive through Your Word to be a good and faithful testimony to all in everything for Your glory.