Right Pursuit

I don’t know about you, but at times, I find the Christianity walk to be a difficult one. It can seem as if the battle against the flesh, and our sinful desires, will never end. From when I wake up in the morning, until I go to bed at night, I know that I am susceptible to the enticements and the dangers of sin. Paul felt that never ending battle, and he encouraged Timothy to continue the fight as well. It says in first Timothy chapter 6, verses 11 and 12:

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Once we become a Christian, we aren’t guaranteed a life without problems or a life without temptation. If we are trying to live a life pleasing to God, and if we have purposed in our hearts to actively pursue what is biblically right and just, there will be spiritual attacks. There will be times of difficulty, struggle, uncertainty, hardship, and pain. But as Paul encouraged Timothy, I encourage you today. Fight the good fight of faith. Flee desires that are contrary to the character of God and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. I encourage you to every day be on your guard, and to every day put on the full armor of God so that you can take you stand against the devil’s schemes.

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Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily. He tells us that because every day we need to be reminded of our call to him; we need to be reminded of who we belong to. And Paul encourages Timothy to fight the good fight of faith; to take hold, or embrace, the eternal life to which he was called. I encourage you do the same. How? Try focusing only on the current day you are living when it comes to your walk. Live out your current day seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Don’t think about tomorrow, because the Bible says that tomorrow will have enough problems of its own. Just take up your cross for today. Put on the full armor of God today. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness today. And tomorrow, reset and try to replicate and improve that pattern.

Beyond Question

The salvation that comes from our belief in Jesus is the hope of all who live. We who believe, know the truth. And for us, the truth has set us free. Our afterlife is secure because our belief is beyond all question. Are you secure in your belief? Do you believe, without question, that Jesus is the salvation of all who believe? If you struggle with this or have questions about who Jesus is, Paul, in a letter to Timothy, puts is simply in first Timothy 3:16 which says:

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”

Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation. Without him, there would be no salvation. For those who believe, it is beyond all question. Jesus, the Word in which everything was spoken into being, came in human flesh. He lived a holy life modeling how we are to live. Then he was crucified on a cross for our sin. With this knowledge we should understand the great mystery of godliness, as Paul puts it. And for those who believe, and have accepted Jesus as our savior, it is beyond all question. Do you doubt today? I encourage you to believe.

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Jesus appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory. Do you believe this to be true? Is it beyond all question in your mind and in your heart? If not, I encourage you to believe today. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Without him, there is no salvation. But with him, we can have eternal life with the Father. Don’t think you know it. Know that you know it. Do not doubt. Know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Know it beyond all question.

Godliness

I have to admit, I like to exercise. Well, I guess “like” isn't the right word. Let’s just say that I find it beneficial to exercise, and my body appreciates it when I do. It helps me moderate my weight, protects me from certain diseases and illnesses, helps my heart stay strong and it keeps me young and fit. But even though exercise can do all of those things and more, it pales in comparison to seeking godliness which is what Paul reminds Timothy in First Timothy chapter 4 verse 8 which says:

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

We as believers are called to have an eternal focus. Being fit is only beneficial in this life and only beneficial in certain circumstances. But pursuing and having the attributes of godliness has value for all things. Every aspect of your life from when you wake up to when you go to sleep can benefit from a godly nature. And Paul reminds us that godliness even carries over to the afterlife. In the verse prior to this one, Paul encourages Timothy to train himself to be godly. And I think that is a directive for all of us to pursue.

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Paul tells Timothy that the attribute of godliness has value for all things. And in the verse prior he tells Timothy to train himself to be godly. The dictionary describes the act of godliness as “conforming to the laws and wishes of God”. And in second Peter 1:5 we find the attribute of godliness in middle of the spiritual growth path from starting out in having faith to progressing to the ultimate goal of having love. Every believer who pursues Christ is by default pursuing godliness, because to pursue Christ is to be like Christ and to be like Christ is to “conform to the laws and wishes of God”.

Watch Your Life

Even if you are a believer and consider yourself to be a follower of Christ, you still may not think of yourself an evangelist. But even though you might not preach from the pulpit or the street corner, and even though you may not knock on doors or pass out tracts, you are still an ambassador of Christ. Your very life can be a testimony to him and his work within you. Every believer, whether they want to admit it or not, is in fact a living testimony of their faith. Sometimes our life can glorify Christ, and other times it may not. But we need to continue to be on guard and watch our life closely so that we reflect Christ when others observe us. First Timothy chapter 4 verse 16 says:

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

I’ve heard it say that we should preach the word of God to everyone, and when necessary, use words. That implies that our life is always on display. And if we identify with Christ, then our life, and in truth our “doctrine”, may be scrutinized. The bible says that if we persevere in our efforts to live a life that lines up with the word of God then we will save both ourselves and our hearers - or in some cases our “watchers”. So I encourage you with the words from first Timothy; “Watch your life and doctrine closely, persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers”.

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One of the biggest turn offs for unbelievers of Christianity is hypocritical Christians; when we display hate, judgment, sin or any act that is contrary to the Spirit. We need to live what we believe whether it be in public or private; whether we think people are watching or not. The love and the likeness of Christ should shine through our human short-comings so that when others see us, they see him. But of course, we are not perfect. We can’t be on our “A” game all of the time. Though in as much as it is possible with us, we need to strive to not become a stumbling block to those who are searching. On the contrary, we should be the light of Christ. So I encourage you to watch your life and your doctrine closely. Because you may be the only reflection of Christ that someone may see.