1 Timothy 6:3-5 -- Part 2: Guarding against becoming a false teacher

To catch up on our adventure through 1 Timothy, click here and read from the bottom post up.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NIV):

"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

Yesterday we talked about the qualities of false teachers that Paul lays out in this chapter. Today, let's ask the question: How do I keep from becoming one of these diseased false teachers?

One of the ways we'll talk about in the next verse (v. 6) has to do with learning contentment.

For the most part, as a leader I need to constantly examine my motives, and ask the Holy Spirit to search my heart. Am I doing something for the attention it brings to me (instead of Christ)? It's easy to say that we're in the job of bringing attention to God. But how many times have I said or done something to really just bring attention to me?

This examination of motives is not a one-time thing; it's a constant, ongoing process. And it can't happen in a vacuum. It has to happen within the context of a healthy lifestyle that includes a commitment to the disciplines and habits of growth--spiritually, emotionally, socially, mentally, physically.

If you ignore your need for quiet time and spiritual disciplines, you will be stunted in your spiritual growth. If you ignore your need to learn and read, you will be stunted in your mental growth. If you ignore your need for community with others on several levels, you will be stunted in your social growth. And each of these areas affects the others in life.

Just like having a garden requires certain disciplines (scheduled, structured work) to keep it up, your life requires certain habits, disciplines, and just plain hard work. The results, cumulative over time, are incredible. The consequences if you ignore them? Disastrous. Both for you and for those you lead.