If we are to be the pillar and the ground of truth, if we are to defend the truth, to define the boundaries of it according to scripture, it becomes all the more important that we engage with the truth that this requires active, earnest and disciplined thought. Notice what Paul commanded here, meditate (THINK deeply) on these things, give yourself completely to this task, pay (careful) attention to yourself AND to the DOCTRINE!! The body of truth, the facts of the gospel, understanding how it all fits together, seeing the world through the lens of scripture IS doctrine. And this is ALWAYS the responsibility of the one who follows Christ. And doubly so is it the FIRST job of the one who proclaims Him. We absolutely must be thinking theologically in all things, for all of life itself is theology applied. Nothing is independent of our theology, for what we do and how we live proves the truth of what we really believe. Beloved, to do this is to bring hope and life to those who hear us, as well as strengthen our own souls.