Guard the Deposit

One of the bright moments of this unpredictable, uncertain world we are living in is the few minutes I set aside each day to read God’s Word. 2nd Timothy Chapter 1 has really grabbed my heart lately. It is a beautiful picture of someone courageously sharing the truth of the Gospel. But it is verse 14 that has been like a laser to my heart. It says, “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (ESV)”

What is this “good deposit” and why does Paul use the word “guard?” Well, in verses 1 to 13 Paul is talking about Timothy’s own calling to: Unashamedly share the testimony of salvation in a risen Christ! When we guard something, we protect it from loss or theft. Paul was counselling Timothy to guard the truth, keep it in his heart, and protect his own ministry purpose.

What about the deposit in our own hearts? Are we carefully guarding the truth of the Gospel? If that charge includes sharing our testimony of Christ with others, are taking every opportunity to do that? This IS the mission of every church and every believer.

The last year's stress has understandably caused many to withdraw into self-protection mode. However, I know that if we don’t determine in our hearts to prioritize Christ’s Gospel, then our comittment to the mission of the church will start to erode like sand beneath a wave. The pandemic has put tremendous pressure on everyone. Physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are exploding around the world. I read an alarming statistic that said absolute poverty impacted almost HALF of the population of Ukraine last year! I cannot fathom what it would be like to be unable to afford basic food for my children!