Cellist Pablo Casals continued to practice his craft into his eighties because in his own words, “I think I am getting better.” I once heard a well-known Baptist preacher in Atlanta, Georgia say, “I am preaching the best sermons I have ever preached.” At the time, I am not sure I believed him.
Paul wrote to the young minister Timothy to encourage him to set an example for his fellow believers. Timothy had gifts of the Spirit to lead and preach. Paul believed he could sharpen those through intentional preparation and practice. Gifts can be neglected or enhanced. Paul wanted Timothy to progress in ways that all could see. We can get better at what we do.
Even better, we can become better persons. “Watch your life and your doctrine closely.” The ways we live and what we believe are inextricably intertwined. So what is the risk, really? What if a person had wonderful gifts from the Spirit but used them without the fruit of the Spirit? Many on our staff of ministers have heard the “Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” podcast. These recordings tell a cautionary tale about a powerful preacher in another state. His charisma outstripped his character. The rising star of his church imploded into a spiritual black hole. The members, disappointed by his choices, did not all go and find other churches. Some left Christianity and the church behind in response to his mistakes.
Can we finally separate who we are from what we do? I say, “No.” In the end, who we are, speaks so loudly that people cannot hear what we say. So we watch our lives and our doctrine closely. Souls are at stake. For the sake of church members, ministries and the work of God in our world, we persevere, living the truth we believe. We want to be better and get better.
