Scripture Post #818: *GIVE ATTENDANCE*

1st Timothy 4:13: "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

Disclaimer: The image used for this Scripture Post, in its original form, was from an image search engine. It is not an image of my own. 

This Scripture was from Apostle Paul, unto Timothy, his son in the faith (1st Tim. 1:1-2).

One of the definitions for the word "attend" from dictionary.com, is:

"To apply oneself: to attend to one's work." Are we applying to reading? Do we actually read the Bible? Books on faith are good, but let's read the Bible too. Christian devotional books are good, but let's read the Bible too. Pastor/Bishop so-and-so's book is good, but let's read the Bible too. Better yet, let's read the Bible first! Are we applying ourselves to exhortation? Unfortunately, exhortation has been given a negative connotation within many circles. Exhorting is frowned upon and mistaken for nosiness. "Mind yo business!" "Quit judgin'!" "Stay out of it!" These are the responses people constantly hear by simply doing what's stated in the Bible. Simply exhorting. Simply advising. Simply cautioning. Simply loving and looking out. Some will listen. Some will not. Either way, exhortation must persist because its what GOD desires for the betterment of HIS children. And lastly, Christian doctrine should be carried out with application. Inclusion of other doctrines, philosophies and faiths contrary to GOD's Word must be stamped away from Believers. We shouldn't see all doctrines and beliefs equally. Christians should believe the doctrine within Christianity supersedes, overrides and obliterates all other doctrines, completely! Why shouldn't we? Have we not accepted and believed it to be true? If we've chosen Christianity over all other beliefs, faiths and doctrines, why wouldn't we view our choice as the very best choice? When something or someone's your ultimate favorite (food, drink, dessert, color, game, movie, teacher, store, etc.), obviously you see it as the best!

May we apply ourselves to what we've deemed worthy of our application—may we *GIVE ATTENDANCE* to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, in JESUS' name. Amen.

Originally Published: Tue. 12/9/14