2 Timothy 4:5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Along with verse 2, these are essentially Paul’s final instructions to Timothy. He hoped that Timothy would get to him before he was executed, but he had no guarantee of that, and these words are what he wanted to leave with his son in faith and ministry. Not knowing the Greek, I don’t know if the NIV or the Japanese is closer in the first phrase, but the point is that Timothy, like every Christian, is going to encounter a variety of situations, and he is to be consistent in serving God in all of them. There is the reminder that some of those situations are going to be difficult, but he must not give up. Then, though there is no indication in the Bible that Evangelist was Timothy’s primary gifting and calling, there is the instruction to evangelize. This is a point that many Christians miss. They think that because it’s not their primary gifting and calling, they can forget about it. Not so. As long as there are people around us who don’t know and follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are responsible and privileged to share the Gospel with them, giving the information they need to make that commitment and praying for them to overcome every barrier and distraction. That actually is part of the last instruction, to fulfill his ministry. Every believer has a different ministry, to some degree at least, so this will mean something different for each individual. What it does mean for everyone, however, is seeking God’s guidance and being faithful in all He says, not being halfhearted but following through fully.

This is a pertinent reminder for me, as it should be for every believer. I am enormously limited in almost every way, but God is not limited in any way, and I need to be faithful in my obedience so that He can accomplish all that He desires to do through me. I am not to allow difficulties, or anything else, to distract me from the tasks the Lord has set for me. With God’s strength and energy I am to be tireless in communicating the Gospel to those around me, in all its glorious depth and richness. To those who know nothing, I am to be simple and uncomplicated. To those who have had their eyes opened, I am to point out the panoramas of the kingdom of God. I am not to rely on myself, but neither am I to hold anything back in my obedience. It is God who has called and equipped me, and He will carry me through to His desired fulfillment.

Father, I am reminded of the song, “The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows.” That is certainly true for me. Thank You. Help me raise up more and more disciples for You who will make the same discovery, so that You will have the faithful family that You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!