Keep Watch

I used to dream about doing great things in ministry. I’ve since changed my definition of great things to “doing small, mostly overlooked things over a long period of time” (Zack Eswine). I’ve also realized I need to set my goal differently. I want to be faithful to the end.

The longer I live, the more I appreciate Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Keeping Watch Over Our Lives

I keep watching pastors fall. I used to think that it’s a given that most of us will complete our pastoral ministries with our integrity intact. I no longer take it for granted. Paul’s words hit home like never before: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as a little sin. Sin is deadly. The smallest sin has as its aim the destruction of my soul. I’m far from sinless and will always struggle with temptation, but I’m increasingly aware of the dangers of tolerating sin.

Here are some steps we can take as we keep watch over ourselves:

• Know our tendencies, and build safeguards around areas of temptation.
• Know our strengths, and the areas in which we think we could never fall. We could be most in danger in these areas.
• Confess sins regularly to others. A few trusted people should know the worst about us.
• Be quick to get help and quick to repent.
• Master works like John Owen’s Overcoming Sin and Temptation.
• When others fall, use it as an opportunity for self-reflection while avoiding the dangers of excessive introspection.

In short, take sin very seriously. Keep watch over yourself. Refuse to tolerate even the smallest sin.

Keeping Watch Over Our Doctrine

I’ve tracked with a number of ministry leaders who once held to sound theology. I first began to sense a wobble in their theology in private conversation. Over time, the wobble became public and catastrophic. In each case, it was preventable. Nobody moves from orthodoxy to heterodoxy in one move. We take small steps, and those small steps can gradually lead us far from the path of orthodoxy.

I’m not talking about issues in which there’s room to disagree. I’m talking about major issues: the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and the nature of God, for instance. We keep believing Satan’s deceitful question: “Did God actually say…?”

Here are some steps we can take as we watch our doctrine:

• Be careful about your influences. For every person in your life who could influence you away from sound doctrine, hang around at least two or three who point you in the right direction.
• Regularly read good theology — good, heady, solid, theology. Treat it the way that a weightlifter treats barbells. Engage the core and get a good workout.
• Be on guard against cynicism. Cynicism corrodes everything including theology.
• Stay close to the gospel. Keep a humble heart. Regularly read and submit to God’s Word.

We’ve been given a deposit to guard (2 Timothy 1:14). We must guard it at all costs.

The Stakes

I used to take my faithfulness for granted. No more. Too many good people have fallen around me. I know I’m capable of the same.

I want to do great things, which means doing small, mostly overlooked things over a long period of time. I want to reach the end having watched over both my life and doctrine.

If we do so, Paul says, we will save both ourselves and our hearers. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

My new goal: to be faithful to the end. Please pray for me, for yourself, and for every pastor you know. We need it.