This morning, I got Noah off to his first "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" meeting before his day at high school. Then Rylee and I did our devotions. We studied 2 Timothy 2. What a great chapter from Paul as He wrote with a heart full of love for Timothy. It was his last writing to him too, so it meant a lot.
Paul told Timothy to teach great truths to trustworthy people who would pass it on. What great advice!
I love verse 4 that says "And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army." I can so relate to this because Jesus has told us to be in the world, but not of the world as His followers. It makes me think of things like school, work, and church. We are all selfish by nature. We start out with good intentions, and at times we end up being in the middle of quarrels, selfish ambition or things like gossip. Staying in God's word will help us keep on track. We are tempted by materials things and building our own kingdom here on earth. But Jesus didn't come to build His kingdom on earth. If we are to be like Jesus, we are not to focus on that either. He told us to store up our treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20)
In Phillipians 2:13-16 Paul also is inspired by God to teach this:
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless."
In 2 Timothy 2 verses 11-13, Paul goes on to give us hope in following Jesus.
"This is a true saying:
If we die with him, (physically or to our own will)
We will also live with him.
If we endure hardship, (standing for Christ despite the costs)
we will reign with him,
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, (because we all fall short- Romans 3:23)
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself." (God is trustworthy at all times)
So no matter where God plants us, we are to keep pressing on towards His will. God has enlisted us and will equip us. Our part is to be willing and obedient to His calling. Loving people and not forgetting our armor. (Eph 6:11-18)
God, we pray for hearts without fear, filled with the power and love of your Spirit and for self-discipline. In Jesus name, Amen.
