When I make a deposit at the bank, I have a few expectations: 1) my deposit will be kept securely and 2) that it will increase through interest. Needless to say, neither of these are guaranteed in this climate of avarice. Today, deposits are required to be insured (a clear sign of security risks) and I no longer expect banks to add interest of any significance to my deposit, in fact, they are more likely to charge fees instead.

Thankfully, the deposit spoken of in today’s scripture (2 Timothy 1:14) is different. Yahweh has deposited His good treasure into us, and He also provides for the increase that we are guaranteed to realize if we abide in Him. The responsibility we have now, is to guard the good deposit.

This was the Apostle Paul’s admonition to Timothy, a young man who was vulnerable to all kinds of threats to his ministry, his spiritual gifts and his reputation as a leader and as a believer. Reading through the first and second books of Timothy, we gather that the good deposit is a multifaceted treasure that consists of: the gospel of truth, the ministry to which he was ordained, the gifts of the Spirit, the responsibility to study and teach the truth at all times, the flock which he led and also himself (his health and well-being) and his reputation.

We can agree that we have received a good deposit through Yeshua’s salvation, and we expect so much more as a result. What we have is valuable, but it also makes us enviable to an enemy who would like nothing better than to rob us or find ways to diminish the effect of our commitment to Father Yahweh. It will be up to us to guard what we have received. But as the verse shows, even in this we are not alone. “Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us“. Father Yahweh is expanding His people for His honor and praise. Grateful as we are, let us also be alert and protect what has been committed to us.

Guard, but do not bury it

Yahweh expects a return on His investment from those He entrusts with His gifts. Read the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-26. We should neither squander nor bury our talents and gifts, but use them for His honor, and we will find that more is added to us.

Guard against theft

The bible says, the enemy is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy. The way to prevent robbery is to “watch”. Be vigilant and sober so you can recognize the approach and attack of the enemy, before he enters the “house”. (Luke 12:25-30).

Guard it by applying wisdom

The book of Proverbs has many examples of wisdom, but it also describes the fool and his actions, thoughts and words. As children of Yahweh, let us do as James 1:5 teaches – ask for wisdom – and apply it to our lives every day.

Guard against loss

Loss can occur inconspicuously and over time. You may not even notice that you are losing your joy until like King David, you do a self-check “Why, my soul, are you cast down? And so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5). Do not wait until you are low on supply to fill up again, but if that happens, return to the Presence of Yahweh and there you will be replenished.

Finally, be occupied with His business and keep pointing others to the Messiah. The more you share this treasure, the greater the increase to the kingdom and to your life.

Read: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

Pray: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication

Write: What valuables have you received from the Holy Spirit? How do you plan to guard them? What investments will you make, with the help of the Holy Spirit?

Today’s devotional is from my new book: Devoted: Daily Devotionals for a Surrendered Life.