Wholly

1 Timothy 4:11-15

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 life, 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 a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Progress is measured by how much we have moved from one place to another.  

Progress is seen by how much we give to what we have devoted to do.

Paul said to 'be diligent' to Timothy as a young pastor.

Though there was a list that Paul wrote for Timothy, in the same way, we have a 'list' of tasks that the Lord has put on us for a reason - places where He has placed us in order to make a difference and most importantly, fulfill the great commission in whatever realm He has put us in.

The encouragement is:  BE DILIGENT BY GIVING OURSELVES WHOLLY SO WE CAN PROGRESS.

Belle:  I need to give myself 'wholly' again wherever God is placing me.  I notice that, especially at work, I have been 'less of me' than what I used to.  Sometimes I notice that I am quite mediocre in my job and have not given my whole best - hence, I do not see any progress even in my day to day   work activities.  I need to be diligent and give myself wholly - it is only then I can see progress in my tasks.  

Church:  Have we really given ourselves fully and wholly?  Hence, our progress level.  I will also give myself wholly on that - not overburden myself but to 'wholly give' what I can.

// Lord, thank you for reminding and rebuking me of my lifestyle - especially at work, in my personal reading and growth and everything else.  There is no excuse anymore to why I am not progressing - that is because I have not given wholly to whatever responsibilities I have been assigned to.  Help me, by Your strength and grace alone, to give myself wholly to the work.  I desire to progress in every aspect of my life, so I offer and commit everything to you.  In Jesus' name, amen.