I am grateful for the simple power of the Word. I know in the past I have made things more complicated than they needed to be; that is the weakness and sometimes paralyzing characteristic of somebody who tends to (try to) be a thinker. I can look at a problem, see a myriad of solutions, but also another myriad of potential problems associated with the aforementioned solutions. And so ensues “analysis paralysis.” There is certainly a need (I hope) for people who are willing to think through complex problems thoroughly.
The Word of God provides us simple truths that have God’s power. The gospel of Christ has power to save those that believe. When a lost man’s eyes are opened to the truth of righteousness, sin, and judgment, he must simply believe and call upon Christ to save him. Once saved, then comes the question again and again: “How then shall I live?” How can I in all of my roles be a good example of Christ to others? Paul lays out a two-step process in 1 Timothy 4:15 for Timothy to follow that he promises will bring profit.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1 Timothy 4:15
There it is. Step 1… Meditate upon these things. What things? Sanctifying truth! Biblical meditation is to think deeply (long and hard) on the Word so as to receive understanding from the Holy Spirit. This is called “illumination,” (John 16:13). Our meditation is as simple as our quiet considering of the Word so that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (who leads and guides us into all truth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, 1 Corinthians 2:13) may show us the meaning of the Scriptures before us. Another word that carries this same idea is “study.” We study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15), who promises to that the indwelling Holy Spirit will instruct us. The promise and presence of the Holy Spirit ought to give us the faith to study/meditate! I don’t meditate so that I may find “my meaning,” or “a meaning,” or discover a myriad of “possible meanings,” but rather I do my part (meditate) so that He may do his (illuminate). The other day a friend reminded me that the only time the word “success” occurs in the Scripture is Joshua 1:8, which is especially valuable given our consideration of steps toward profit. Look and you’ll see that to “meditate” is the first step toward the outcome of success/profit.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8
We could consider Paul’s next instruction in 1 Timothy 4:15 as a second step or a description of effort. “Give thyself wholly to them.” It’s commonly said, “you get what you pay for.” Proverbs 23:23 instructs us to “buy the truth, and sell it not.” If we occasionally study the Word, and occasionally live by it, others cannot profit. Read it again… they cannot profit. Occasional faith is no faith at all. Occasional obedience is no obedience at all. An occasional follower of Christ is no disciple. We must let our lives be reshaped entirely by the Lord. If we give ourselves whole-heartedly to God and His Word, it is then that He promises profit. What is that profit comprised of in particular? It can only be a Christ-glorifying example. Timothy’s profiting that appears to all is not a worldly or carnal gain for himself, it is a Christ-centered life that believers can see in real-time and color. It is wonderful and desirable. It is marked by charity, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned, (1 Timothy 1:5).
Any believer who understands who he is in Christ and what awaits him in God’s kingdom and glory wants to make a difference in this life. Where to begin! We begin by a commitment to meditate upon the Word, and give our lives entirely to the obedience of Christ. Then, and only then, will our lives make the right kind of difference. It is that simple.
C.R.
Onward & Upward 
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