Carefully Guard

Reading: Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1 13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13-14 NLT) Paul told Timothy to hold on to and carefully guard what he had. Here’s a list of some of Timothy’s precious treasures, entrusted to him from God:

Vs 5: Precious faith learned from his godly mother and grandmother.
Vs 6: Spiritual gifts imparted through the laying on of Paul’s hands with prophecy (See 1 Tim 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6).
Vs 7: A spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
Vs 8: God-given strength.
Vs 13: The pattern of right teaching learned from Paul.
Vs 13: Faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Vs 14: Holy Spirit power on the inside.
Vs 14: Precious truth. Timothy was a wealthy man, wealthy in the eternal sense, no matter what his natural circumstances were. Just as a wealthy man carefully stewards and guards his wealth, Paul instructed Timothy to steward the precious gifts and treasures God had given him. Lately I’ve been thinking about all the treasures God has entrusted to me. I have a wife of 58 faithful years. I have children who love me, love each other, and love God. I have grandchildren whose faces brighten when they hear my voice. I have friends I trust. I have spiritual gifts that can be a blessing to others. I have a home, food, clothing, and transportation. I have a reason to get out of bed each morning. Like Timothy, I have much to hold on to and carefully guard. I’m a wealthy man! I invite you to assess your true wealth and carefully guard it!

Prayer: Father, Please help me to hold on to, carefully guard, and generously share the immeasurable wealth you have entrusted to my care. May I someday present you the fruit of good stewardship and hear your expression of approval. Amen.