Stay true ...

Here I am late at night (yet again), having been at the office until a short time ago. Yet I am compelled to read the Word of God and see what the Lord has to say to me. This practice has become a part of who I am. Not because I have too. Not because I will feel guilty if I do not do this. Not because my world will fall apart if I don't. But because I have found this to be refreshing, necessary for the feeding of my mind and my soul. It keeps me on track. It helps me to "stay true."

It would have been so easy just to hop into bed and I reckon anyone would have excused me for having done so after a busy day. However, having read the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy I am so glad I paused a moment to learn, to be reminded of the truth that lies within these verses.

Read the instruction of Paul to Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:6 (New Living Translation)

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.

What is it that Timothy is to explain to his brothers and sisters in the church:

1 Timothy 4:7-16 (New Living Translation)

7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle,[a] for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Here are the important elements I pick up on:

• train yourself to be godly
• work hard and continue to struggle (I think he is saying, put up with, or battle through the opposition and the difficulties you face)
• remember our hope is in Jesus, not in the comforts or ease of life according to the world
• teach with insistence these things amongst others, for all people
• be an example, in word, in deed, in love, in faith, and in purity
• read, read, read the Scriptures
• encourage believers
• utilise the Spiritual gift that has been given you
• make every effort to accomplish what is asked of you in Christ

Can I follow this up by imploring you to join me and to do likewise. To take these words of Paul to Timothy and make application of them to your life as I do the same for my life.

"Let us live worthy of the calling that is ours in Jesus Christ and be true examples, worthy examples to the world, the people around us."