Listen to today’s devo!

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. (1 Tim. 5:21)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:16-21

Step 1: Procure an instrument. Step 2: Open the case of your instrument. Step 3: Take your instrument out of the case. Step 4: Position the instrument properly.

Is there a purpose to the steps listed above? After all, the music hasn’t even been made yet. These instructions read as a step-by-step guide for a novice, who may not be in line for first chair in the orchestra. However, this is the start. These instructions need to be followed in order to be a successful musician in the long run. Musicians who follow the first simple steps faithfully find they can learn to live by memory of their manual, not needing to refer to instructions to prepare for a concerto.

Throughout Scripture there are many guidelines shared for our benefit and good. This section of chapter 5 highlights how the family of God acts purposefully to allow each member to freely engage with the body of Christ, sharing their divine gifts.

We may feel that as we follow these simple steps we are acting as a novice. However, following God’s instructions step-by-step will lead us into fruitfulness as we each use our spiritual gifts.

Keeping the instructions given in the Word enables us to shine “like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Phil. 2:15–16).

Follow God’s instructions step-by-step, without partiality.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.