If there was ever a time when you are prone to measure yourself, compare yourself with those around you to give a sense of worth or affirm identity, it is now! Paul speaking to Timothy warned of this crisis (2 Timothy 3:2a)

…men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud… 2 Timothy 3:2a

The Life Application Bible states that Timothy was relatively young, young enough to make others discount him because of his age (1 Timothy 4:12). He was not “a gifted child” or even unusually outgoing. He was shy and hesitant enough that Paul had to warn him not to be intimated by others.

Timothy was neither rich nor privileged yet unlike his peers, he lived above the median level of maturity. How? Devotion to Christ made all the difference. His mother and grandmother taught him such Old Testament Scriptures as

1. Psalm 1— not to follow evil men’s advice nor hang around with sinners who scoff at the things of God
2. Proverbs 1:10—if the young thugs tell you, “come and join us,” turn your back on them
3. Proverbs 13:20 NLT—Your simple devotion to Christ gives you the discernment to walk with the wise 

You may encounter those who try to cut you down to their size, don’t be overly influenced because their size is not the standard measure of Christ. Instead of staying where you are tolerated, go to where you are appreciated.

My beloved children, I want you to learn what devotion to Christ does to your life in the story of two trees.

The Japanese bonsai tree is tiny, growing only about eighteen inches tall. To create a bonsai, a young sapling is pulled from the soil. Then the taproot and some of the feeder shoots are tied off. Thus, the growth of the bonsai tree is deliberately stunted. By contrast, the California sequoia tree grows large. For example, the General Sherman in California’s Sequoia National Park stands 275 feet and measures 100 feet in circumference at its trunk. If felled, it would provide enough lumber to build over 30 five-room homes! The sequoia begins life as a small seed, no bigger than the bonsai seed. So, what makes the difference? The sequoia sapling is allowed to be nourished in the rich California soil and sunshine. Now, neither the bonsai nor the sequoia has a choice in determining how large it will become but you do!” — Taken from UCB Radio

So my beloved sons and daughters, devotion to Christ simply means being planted in His court, and you will see how you flourish as you read His word and communicate with Him for power to obey what you read. Psalm 92:13-15 TPT promises that you will be greater than Grandpa, O’pa.

Shalom




Pastor Afolabi Oladele