Paul tells young Timothy to 'flee from all this' - from the love of money and harmful desires that plenge us into ruin and destruction. But what does he tell him to pursue? It's a wonderful list of qualities:
- righteousness
- godliness
- faith
- love
- endurance
- gentleness
How can we pursue these things? Of course, by spending time in God's word; time in prayer; and time with other Christians.
Often, though, these qualities are honed in the day-to-day struggles of our lives. We have opportunities to practice 'endurance' when we are faced with a job loss, or a frightening health diagnosis, or when a relationship is tested. Our faith will be strengthened when we lose a loved one, or when we receive bad news.
How about gentleness? How on earth do we pursue that quality? Ask God to give you more gentleness, and then watch how he works! You may find that you have simply been missing opportunities to strengthen this good gift, which has been much maligned as weak or ineffectual.
Paul, the teacher, tells Timothy, the student, that the goal of pursuing these qualities is to fight the good fight of the faith. And he ends this short section of scripture by saying "To him be honor and might forever." So might and gentleness can go hand in hand.
Lord, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords, and you live in unapproachable light. I ask in your name that I will flee the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. May my life bring glory and honor to you, Amen.
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