1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV) — 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.
Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
NOTE: This and the
verses that follow feel like a summary of the summary. But it is also personal
again to Timothy. Paul calls him a man of God. Those are strong words and are
not used anywhere in the new testament except for Timothy. It was used in the old
testament to describe Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha. And Paul again
encourages Timothy to pursue character. Righteousness is everything we do, and
it is doing the right thing. The "godliness" remark harkens back to
the discussion on exercising, and the corresponding disciplines of the
Christian life. The other qualities are the character that all of us should
pursue. Do we really care about being men and women of God? Then why are we not
pursuing these things in real life?
PRAYER: Father,
forgive us for our horrible sin in the church. We do not measure up at all to
what the body of Christ should be. We are lazy, selfish, and godless (at least
in our actions). We talk a good talk but we treat people with disdain in stores
and restaurants. We are so far from Jesus. Forgive us and open our eyes to our
sin. Have mercy dear God.
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