Exercise Discretion

294 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Tim 4:5) The word “watchful” here literally means to abstain from wine. Well that can't be what Paul means here, because he instructs Timothy in 1 Tim 5:23 to take a little wine for his stomach ailment. This “watchfulness then, must be taken figuratively. In that sense, watchfulness is taken to mean discreet. If you've ever seen someone who has had too much wine, you know that discretion is not part of their M.O. In fact, that's the problem with alcohol, it shuts off that part of the brain that enables you to be discreet. So Timothy, and all others (pastors) that follow in his footsteps are to exercise discernment and good judgment in “all things” and that would include their conduct and in their ability to test the teaching of others. Discretion often brings affliction, because the one exercising it, is not jumping on the bandwagon of false teaching with others. So afflictions will come the way of the man of God and they are to be endured. When affliction comes for standing on the Word of God, Timothy and all men of God, are not to go off on a binge of indiscretion and error to ease the pain! Endure the pain! It comes with the territory for being a follower of Christ, and standing on the Word of God. Jesus reminds us all that in this world we will face tribulation, but we are to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world! ( Joh 16:33) He also said in Joh 15:20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.. And in Joh 16:1-3, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 "And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.” The man of God who stands on the Word can expect this kind of reception on occasion. Gird up your loins for it! Expect it, and know that you are in good company! For Jesus also said in Mt 5:1,12, “"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Affliction will come dear pastor, be watchful, and preach the Word anyway!