1 Timothy– Chapter Four XXIV

by Ed Urzi

“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15).

While the concept of “meditation” often carries a negative connotation, we should recognize that there is a difference between the kind of meditation mentioned here in 1 Timothy 4:15 and some other forms of meditation.

For instance, the Biblical concept of meditation involves the act of reflecting upon the subject of God and His Word. This form of meditation is focused upon knowing God through His Son and thinking about how that knowledge should impact our lives. The Scriptures endorse this type of meditation as seen in the passages quoted below…

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8 ESV).

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night (Psalm 1:1-2 NIV).

“I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

On the other hand, many alternative forms of meditation involve “emptying” one’s mind in order to produce a desired physical response or altered state of consciousness. Those methodologies may include the use of mantras (a word or syllable that is chanted as an aid in concentration or sung as a prayer). Other meditative practices may involve specific breathing techniques, visualization methods, or body postures in an effort to secure a feeling of spiritual awareness or enlightenment.

Since these latter forms of meditation do not originate with the One “…in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3), they will never lead to genuine spiritual enlightenment. These differences illustrate the importance of defining a term like “meditation.” One type of meditation acknowledges and honors God while the others do not.