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Pastor to Pastor

Take Heed to Yourself

The importance of the self-watch.

The Work of Shepherds (2)

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4.16

The Book of Pastoral Rule
Gregory the Great (ca. 540-604)
“Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others…For that man is blind indeed who is unacquainted with the light of supernal contemplation, who, whelmed in the darkness of the present life, while he beholds not at all by loving it the light to come, knows not whither he is advancing the steps of his own conduct.”

Paul insisted that maintaining a healthy self-watch is every shepherd’s duty – not merely for his own sake, but for those he is called to serve. By persisting in keeping a close watch over our own lives, as well as our teaching, we may expect the Lord to bring more of the fruit of salvation to us, and to His people through us. Absent such a diligent, persistent self-watch, what hope can we have of His blessing? That self-watch requires time in silence before the Lord, immersed in “supernal contemplation” and listening for the Spirit to convict, counsel, and direct us for growth and service (Ps. 139.23, 24; Jn. 16.8-11). When we love this time of waiting on the Lord, we may confidently expect Him to bring forth of His goodness into our lives and work (cf. Ps. 27.11-14).

How do you practice this discipline of the self-watch?

T. M. Moore

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context, calling, and work of the shepherd, and provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training or personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative and we’ll walk through this handbook and various other assessment resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

And don’t forget to request your free PDF, Growing into Christ, our 28 day morning and evening series of readings, meditations, and prayer prompts on the work of making disciples. Just write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and request your copy. Great for personal meditation, and for training others to make disciples.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Gregory,The Book of Pastoral Rule,in Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, eds., Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 12(Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1895, 1995).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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