Lifeguard on Duty

Nº 415

Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other. - Matthew Henry

This summer our grandchildren spent a great deal of time at the neighborhood pool. When I visit, I’m always happy to see attentive lifeguards sitting in the elevated stands while others are focused and watching from the edge of the pool.

Fifty-five years ago, I took a lifeguard training class to become certified so that I could take my turn in the guard stand or on the water’s edge. We learned what to look for, how to respond to emergencies, how to provide basic first aid, and most of all, how to avoid becoming victims ourselves.

Rescuing others can be dangerous. Paul placed Timothy in a perilous situation as pastor of the young church in the decadent city of Ephesus. Saving lives in Ephesus would involve risk. Besides the temptations of the corrupt city, his ministry could face angry pushback, ridicule, and persecution.

To caution and encourage Timothy, Paul wrote, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

How we live and what we believe are both critical. Godly living and biblical belief are their own rewards, and they may save the lives of those around us.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin