CULTIVATED

“…and exercise yourself to godliness” – 1 Timothy 4:7b

The Ordered Life is a CULTIVATED Life, cultivated to be prepared, complete, and thoroughly equipped for the Master’s use. Paul underlined this truth: “exercise yourself rather to godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having a promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1Tim.4:7b-8). Again, he admonished Timothy, his son in the faith: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim.3:16-17).

God calls us to cultivate both spiritual and mental habits. Paul, for example, exhorts: “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that us in you…” (1Tim.4:13-14a). If we desire to excel in secular affairs, we concentrate; we pay attention. Why should we be less painstaking in our service for God? We must determine to develop our intellect for the primary purpose of making ourselves more useful to God – vessels prepared and ready for Him to use! 2 Timothy 2:15 commands: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” You must also concentrate on your gifts and talents: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you” (v.14). Discipline your mind by reading, studying, meditating, praying, cultivating Christ-like character, and building spiritual and mental capacity for divine assignments: “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them…” (v.15a).

Character cultivation must however precede doctrinal development: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine…” (v.16). Character is the real foundation of all worthwhile success. There are certain points of truth the Lord will not reveal to you until your character is in a fit state to bear it. The discernment of divine truth and the cultivation of character go together. Character is the real you; reputation is the opinion others have formed of you. Character is in you; reputation is from other people. Character is the substance, reputation is the shadow. Abraham Lincoln said: “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.” Many a man’s reputation will not recognize his character if they met in the dark! Some people try to make something for themselves; others try to make something of themselves – their character. You are simply a book telling the world about its author. What is the world reading in you?

Cultivation of character begins at the control center – the heart. The life of God in you – the Christ-life – should continually evolve from spiritual innocence into a glorious, practical, inspiring character. Paul added: “Continue in them…” (v.16b). The way to experience the ordered and cultivated life, and become complete for the Master’s service, is to be well-soaked in all aspects of God’s Word, not just a few favourite passages. Our Lord, through the Holy Spirit, gives us continuous instruction from His Word. This is what turns hearers into disciples: “…If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed” (Jh.8:31b). He does not want us to use the Bible simply for the sake of getting messages; but to nourish our souls and the souls of those whom we serve. He wants us to be life-long learners: “…learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt.11:29b).

In order to enjoy the ordered life, you must cultivate attitudes and habits of a continuous learner; you don’t stop short. You must “pursue righteousness…” and cultivate spiritually-mindedness (v.11b). It is not sufficient to have a saved and sanctified experience, and still be burdened with a stagnant mind. A revived spirit should go hand-in-hand with a renewed and awakened mind. Be diligent to keep in shape for God; shake off the dust, clean off the rust and keep sharp by use.