Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-12
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Observation: Paul is writing to Timothy, his dear son in the faith. This is Paul's charge to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy, calling him "man of God" to "flee from" materialism and desires and pursuits related to it. Timothy is instructed to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness," godly character qualities, and to "fight the good fight of the faith..." and to "take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."
Application: Stick to the basics. That is what I hear Paul saying. We, especially leaders, can get wrapped up in all kinds of peripheral pursuits. As a pastor, there is a constant pressure for increasing church attendance, and there are thousands of ideas and gimmicks for producing greater numbers. As a 21st century American, there is constant pressure toward wealth. But Paul says, "don't let these things move you from the focus on the basics." So what are the basics? Godly character and eternal life. These are pursuits truly worth pursuing. Paul points out that those who seek worldly gain have "pierced themselves with many griefs." But pursuing godliness and eternal life are always good, always positive, always worthwhile.
Prayer: Lord, I want to pursue you and your character in my life. Help me in my many activities to maintain this focus. I don't want to try to gain the world. I want to gain you, your character, and eternal life. Help me to be successful in your ways and in your eyes.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment