Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11
Paul began to wrap up his first letter to Timothy with two exhortations.
The first is a plea: “… flee from these things …” Yesterday, we talked about
pursuing riches and the love of money, and these are what Timothy is to flee
from—and we need to flee from them as well.
However, Paul also exhorted Timothy—and us—to “pursue” some specific things (Merriam-Webster
Dictionary definitions):
Righteousness: being in “accord with divine or moral law and free from guilt or sin”
Godliness: being “pious” and “devout”
Faith:
“belief and trust in and loyalty to God”
Love: “unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”
Perseverance: “continued effort to do or
achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition”
Gentleness: being “honorable” and “kind”
Oh,
my … Paul’s not asking for much, is he? (Too bad you can’t hear the sarcasm in
my writing!) Seriously, don’t you read lists like this and think, “How in the
world can I even begin to be righteous or godly or gentle?” You wonder, “I have
faith, but sometimes it’s hard to persevere.”
Well, you’re right. You won’t be able to fully flee the love of money and
pursue the items on that list on your own. The good news? You’re not on your
own!
The Holy Spirit is in with you—within you. If you seek His strength and
guidance, He’ll help you to pursue those things that will make you more and
more like Christ and let Him shine through you.
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