I Timothy 4:12 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”  A leader is a teacher whether he likes it or not and whether he recognizes it or not.  It has been said that “a teacher is one who learns twice.”  This simply means that we must first learn ourselves before we can teach others.  Our verse today is an admonition that we must always pay attention to our own personal doctrine and what we teach those whom we lead.  We are to persevere in the truth and stay in the classroom for God to teach us and then we share this truth with others.  Look at the results:  insuring salvation for ourselves and those who hear and watch us.

This Scriptural principle is so important to us as we lead our own lives, families, work, church and community.  This is absolutely crucial as we teach and lead our families.  If we do not teach our children “truth,” someone else will teach them error.  Fathers must take the time to teach biblical truth to their children and be convinced that it is a spiritual leadership responsibility.  It cannot be left for others to do it.  However, it takes time and presence to achieve it.  You can never know in advance when a teaching moment comes.  A good father and leader spends time with his family and looks for opportunities to teach application of God’s truth.  You don’t have to give examinations to those you lead as life itself will provide these on a daily basis.  God’s Word is the answer to every issue in life and we must make this a priority in our teaching and personal example.