Sober Minded
The responsibilities of any ministry today are dizzying. These demands are only compounded when it comes to revitalising or starting something completely new. The words of Paul to Timothy therefore remain vital if we are to continue. He says in 2 Timothy 4:5
As for you, always be sober minded…
Paul is urging Timothy not to be like the church leaders described in 2 Tim. 4:3-4 who have given up on ‘sound teaching’ because their listeners demand something other than the truth, like myths that suit their own passions. In contrast, among other things, Timothy is to exercise sober mindedness, always. But what might this mean in practice for Timothy? Let me suggest a couple of things.
It might firstly mean a focus on repentance. The myths that Timothy’s hearers were demanding were teachings and stories that suited their own passions (v.3). Such teaching would never demand very much from the listener and would hardly ever call them to make changes to their lives in deep and foundational ways. However if Timothy was to teach sound doctrine, then he would be required to call everyone, including himself to regular repentance.
Therefore, today, In the life of any minister of the gospel they will not only call others to repentance, but practice this themselves. Grace is that explosive power of God that enables honesty, patience and even forgiveness. It allows us all to come to our senses. Any leader who understands the gospel themselves be open to correction and will be happy to learn from others. We will not have too high an opinion of ourselves and will regularly review our own hearts and their softness toward God.
But being sober minded will not only keep our repentance fresh in our own lives, it should also bring a realism to all our ministries.
Timothy was facing a possible exodus from his church in Ephesus if he kept the line of sound teaching. The people of v.3-4 might well have been previous members of his very own congregation. To see them leave would have been devastating. What was Timothy to do?
Paul says, ‘always be sober minded’. He was to reflect deeply on the doctrines of grace and by doing so, gain a heart of wisdom and understanding. It is so easy to conflate our worth in our work, and this is no less true than in the area of ministry. So Timothy needed to keep a clear head on this especially. Grace prevents us from confusing our identity with our ministry.
We are to work hard, but not build our happiness and security on our ministry. We are to expect success - even if this is simply in seeing those under our care faithfully continuing as Christians, but we shouldn’t expect to see this too quickly. People are what should concern us, but people are slow to change and even slower to commit. Inevitably some people who start with us, will not always stay with us for various reasons, but we should do all we can to give them no excuse because of what we are teaching.
Being sober minded is just as essential for ministry today as it ever has been. Ultimately it reminds us that we are not crazy. Giving all your talents and time to the enterprise of the gospel and the growth of the kingdom is not a vain way to live. Today is still a great day for mission and being sober minded in the face of its many challenges and opportunities will bring a softness of heart and a seriousness of the task which under God will sustain us for the long term.