Doing what God has called us to do
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. 2 Timothy 4:1-2
We are all aware that other people are looking at us, and that is particularly true of Christian leaders. Because of the public nature of the role, people are constantly making judgments about us, whether we like it or not. This is challenging for everyone, but particularly those who, like Timothy, are still relatively inexperienced.
It is easy to become anxious and overly defensive, but Paul reminds his young friend that the only audience which really matters is God himself. It is God’s judgment which is crucial. Timothy needed to live his life with a constant awareness that, one day, he would need to give a full account of what he had done.
Preaching was at the heart of Timothy’s ministry. It was vital that people should clearly understand the faith and be encouraged to live by it. But, like any task, preaching has good days and bad days. There are times when it is joyful and easy to preach, and others when it is sheer hard work. Often people are eager to hear what you have to say and, at other times, they are asleep!
There are times when people congratulate you for your oratory and times when they point out all your silly errors. Like any task, you need to stick at it through thick and thin. Paul urged Timothy to realise that this was his God-given responsibility.
The thought of being judged by God is a challenging one for all of us. But it shouldn’t fill us with fear. We know that God is perfectly loving, forgiving and gracious. However, it should sharpen and focus our thinking on the importance of doing what God has called us to do, however tough that might be.
QUESTION
What is God calling you to do for him today?
PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Give me your strength so that I may always give you my best. Amen