Jason Miller, Pastor of Arts and Teaching at Granger Community Church, has clung to 1 Timothy 4:9-16 not because he looks like he could pass for a 21 year old… but because this passage of Scripture stands as a great reminder (to all) not to lose sight of where your gifts come from.
| Happy 30th Bday Jason |
In your journey of Faith, when you apply yourself to furthering the Kingdom of God, you put yourself into a position where you become target practice. My husband has always said, “When you stand above the crowd, people are going to take aim at you.” It’s hard not to want to recoil and go into hiding when others try to pick you off… your pride takes a hit and it doesn’t take long before you’re tempted to throw in the towel.
Boy oh boy have I ever been there!
I personally NEEDED to be in Jason’s session, “Teaching with Your Life” during the ReInnovate Conference. He was sharing his heart to an audience of one. ME! I needed the reminder that 1 Timothy 4:9-16 talks about.
If you have spent any time giving of yourself, investing into the lives of others, you’ll get what I’m about to say… or what Jason shared in today’s session…
It’s not just learning to not let the arrows of those who take aim at you because you’ve stuck out your neck for God knock you off your mission, but have you ever spent a significant amount of time helping people with their Faith walk only for them to walk away at a later date? Have you ever felt like it was all for naught? Have you ever wondered if anything you did (in ministry) mattered? Oh, that illusive impact…
1 Timothy 4:16 says, “Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
When you keep a firm grasp on your character and your teaching… both you and those who hear you will experience (healing) and salvation!! That’s not just good news… that’s GREAT news!! That means everything I do for God does make a difference – it does have an impact – it does matter. We all need to remind ourselves of this daily.
Talk about a boost to my confidence!
Jason finished off his session with the Parable of the Talent: the one servant who was given 5 talents doubled his Master’s money, same thing with the servant who was given 2 talents. However, the servant who was given only 1 talent, who wasn’t drawn to the Master’s heart, buried (he did not use the gift) that which was given to him.
When you’re fighting to remember what has been given to you and the calling God has on your life, read these passages again – don’t bury the gifts God has given you – know His heart and allow Him to help bring you around.
Bigger Picture Moment: God wants to partner WITH you and in order for this to work… He needs your full attention, energy and focus for the task at hand!
