How to Be More Effective

April 1, 2016

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:20-21

1. CHECK YOUR HEART. God wants us to keep our hearts receptive. The Apostle Paul was urging Timothy to be aware of and guard the gifts God entrusted to him. It’s important to look at what is in your heart and create an atmosphere for the gifts to flourish so that you can bear good fruit.

2. AVOID EMPTY CHATTER. One of the ways to guard the treasure that is within you is to guard your tongue. There is a place for humor and wit, but make sure it doesn’t cross the line and become sarcastic and unfruitful. To check if your conversation is godly, see if you can immediately pray or talk to God afterwards. This doesn’t mean you have to be religious or talk in “church speak,” but let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be connected to God (Psalm 19:14). Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), so keep checking in to make sure your words are life-giving and edifying.

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

3. STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD. Living an obedient life of faith is where fulfillment is found. People out there need the life-giving truth you have. If you feel like your fire has burned low, take some time to stir it up. Now is not the time to hold back; it’s the time to step out and be bold.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff

DAILY CONFESSION
I pray that the fellowship of my faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in me for Christ’s sake (Philemon 1:6). I’m anointed. There is a calling on my life. Jesus lives in me and His word abides in me. God is using me in interesting ways in the upcoming days to make a difference in people’s lives.

ef·fec·tive, adj.
Ready for service or action.

Copyright © 2016 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. 30 March 2016.