Bible Passage

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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters, give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:12–16

Devotion

My besetting sin is to think, If I try just a little harder, I can get this right. Well, that's also Washington, DC's problem: People here think they just need to try harder and they can make the thing work. Washington is a great town because you don't have to be a blueblood. You can come here from anywhere and make something of yourself as long as you're willing to work hard. But that is also why this is a dangerous town. It is easy to get confused about who the Savior is.

So it's no accident I keep talking about God's grace, which is all about God's initiative, not ours. You can't make grace happen. The lie our people hear all week long is "If you hustle, you can make it happen."

But the real question isn't, "How hard are you working?" but, "How well are you receiving?"

– M. Craig Barnes

Character Check

How well am I receiving God's grace?

Something to Think About

A man must completely despair of himself in order to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ.

– Martin Luther

Go Deeper

Shepherding Others

Several years ago, Christian psychologist and best-selling author Larry Crabb announced, "The primary context for healing should be the Christian community." In an interview in this theme, he explains how older, wiser church members can shepherd others. Articles in this theme include devotionals on how the Bible instructs us to care for others, an assessment of your counseling style, and how to set up shepherding groups in your church.