1 Timothy 4:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

The primary definition of the Greek word for persist is “to abide in”, “to tarry”.

Today I was in a conversation with a Chess Club leader who asked me to join his club. While I was grateful for the invitation I declined stating that my memory skills are not what they once were. When I penned these words I saw in them a spiritual truth. “Memory is like any other muscle, if you do not exercise it regularly, it weakens.”

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy was to persist in bible reading and teaching and to keep a close watch on himself. I believe that what Paul was referring to when he said to keep a close watch on ourselves is to make sure that none of our life skills have declined. This goes for all aspects of this life in Christ, not just memory.

In saying we can save ourselves, we must remember that salvation is not a one and done deal. We are saved daily, that the Holy Spirit is an active agent of change for our own good and the good of others.

Why would we want to give up our climb to the top just because we are winded in any moment?

The natural order of humanity is deterioration. When I was sixteen I ran three miles every day. Now at seventy-five I have to will myself to walk two miles. I ran as a teen for the fun of it. I walk now for my health. Attitude is as much a part of this life in Christ as our physical conditioning.

Life skills in Christ are subject to our will to be persistent. Take on the attitude that “I’m already there” and we will not get to experience what Christ has waiting for us around the corner.