2 Timothy 4:1-8

The Crown of Righteousness (Live Your Dash)

My parents were funny. Not all the time of course, but humor seemed to help them get through tough times and of those there were plenty. My mother used to say that she wanted the epitaph on her gravestone to say, “I told you I was sick.”  Clark Gable has these two words inscribed on his: “Back to Silence.” Earnest Hemingway's tombstone reads: “Pardon me for not getting up.”

Many grave stones carry more serious sentiments of broken hearts and hopes of reunion. The similarity of them all though, is they generally note the beginning and ending dates of life with a tiny dash in the middle.

As our own lives near the end, we will likely be focusing on the events contained in that dash. We will recall our childhood and growing up. We may focus on our development of skills and work, our marriage and children. Opportunities we missed and some we seized. We will revisit our joys and disappointments. That dash holds the meaning of our existence.

Would you like the dash on your tombstone to represent something significant: To read the words of one man who had a deep sense of purpose, turn to 2 Timothy Chapter 4 verses 7-8;

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Oh to be that certain of eternal life! Paul wrote these words to Timothy as his life was nearing its conclusion. He also charged Timothy with following his lead. He said; “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.”

Paul spoke of a future much like our present, which is why his charge was so important; 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine…….they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Sound like our world? Let’s keep the faith and work on our dash as Paul did!

Read/Listen to 2 Timothy 4: 1-8

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Pray

Do you want the dash on your tombstone to represent something significant? Pray, and pray like you mean it! Join the symphony!

1 Timothy 2: 1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We often criticize those in positions of authority as they act and react in ways that contradict our belief system. Perhaps they know things we do not. Just maybe they see the big picture we are not privileged to view.

We justify our disappointments by saying it is part of God’s plan that we do not understand because we are not entitled to knowing all the details. We settle into our circumstances because we know we are not in control. God is.

Paul urges us to do the same in regards to those in authority because God has placed them there for our good. He tells us not to criticize, but to pray for them, for more people in authority knowing Jesus means more Godly decisions will be made, leading to quiet and peaceful lives.

It is difficult to believe my little prayer will make a difference, but think about the power in numbers. Every quiet little prayer adds to the volume and effectiveness. Envision a musical performance as you sit back in your seat in a crowded theater.  The performance begins with a single, slow, sincere, a Capella voice. Then a duet ensues. Soon, the chorus fades in with gentle harmony, followed by glimpses of instrumental interludes. As the tempo gradually increases, the voices and instruments merge. The auditorium is saturated with a beautiful melody.  Together the individual tones, pitches and intervals create an intense symphony like crescendo that fills the music hall with spirit and power!

Prayer is like that. If we pray as God and Paul have instructed, we can be part of a breath taking symphony that creates passion and brings about love.  

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 2:1-8