August 27, 2026 | Be Connected
Life’s Priorities
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-14(NIV)
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Devotional
As the last of 5 children, I was always used hand me down clothes. Sometimes the shoes were slightly too big, or I had to roll the cuffs up on a pair of pants. So, I wore them until I grew into them. Did your parents or relatives buy clothes that were too big for you? Your body had to catch up with them. However, if you had shoes to grow into, things could get a little challenging. It is hard to walk in shoes that feel too big.
As followers of Jesus, we will have times when we feel called to walk into places and situations that feel far too big for us. Timothy, the young church pastor, surely felt this way. Paul penned his letter with words of encouragement for this young leader. Paul shepherded young Timorthy and reminded him that although the shoes felt big, Jesus would help him grow into them. Just as Paul shepherded Timothy, you can be confident that Jesus will help you grow into the shoes he’s chosen for you.
Tim Tebow says, “My faith isn’t just a little piece of my life, it IS my life!” Paul directed Timothy to be an example in the way you speak, the way you act and the way you love. Let your conversations be seasoned in love. Speak about God with passion, knowledge and intelligence. Strive to live your life for Christ. Stand up for Christ.
We truly are walking through a battlefield in this upside-down world we live in. The world wants to corrupt your soul. So may the words we speak and the words we hear bring health, life, joy, and encouragement to those who hear them. The world wants to corrupt your soul with words, actions, and attitudes. But God wants to save your soul. May you walk in such a way that you encourage others and speak in such a way that you are helping to win over souls for Jesus Christ.
