1 Timothy 4

 

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, 

so that everyone may see your progress.”

{1 Timothy 4:15} (NIV 1984) 

Pastors are to progress. That is, they are to grow in righteousness and in their relationship to the Lord Jesus, in such a way that people can see their progress. Just as they are to publicly read Scripture, preach, teach and exercise their gifts in a way that the people see progress, they are also to progress in their speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 

To see progress means that an evaluation is made. A starting point is observed, and although the end line may not be observable, the pastor is seen to be moving in the direction of the end line. If pastors (“the holy men”) should have observable progress in their lives, than how much more should all Christians have observable progress in our lives?

Make an evaluation of your speech, life, love, faith and purity. Are you further along the path from a month or year ago? Have you stayed the same? Or have you slipped back? May God help us to be diligent in these matters!