In my previous post, I mentioned the verse that everything has been created by God and that it is good. Our good friend Eddie commented that it is what we do with God’s goodness is what makes things good or bad. This is probably my favorite posting by anybody on this blog. It was right on the money and it is what Paul is writing to Timothy about in this book. The theme: do good!
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up the treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
While this particular verse was directed toward the rich who were worshiping their money, it can be applied to anybody. This book is a great handbook for Timothy (and any other church leader for that matter, IMHO) to start a his church, but it also gives all of us a good guideline to leading a life that gives glory to God. Among the tips provided:
- Living well preventing criticism
- Faithful to your spouse
- Disciplined
- Good reputation, especially outside of the church
- Opening your home to others
- Ability to teach and share
- No drinking problems
- Not violent
- Humble
- Peace loving
- Not hungry for money
- Good family manager
- Children believing in God
- Experience in faith, if becoming a church leader
- Fair
- Strong belief in the Word
- Prayerful
- Respect to those older than you
- Thoughtful to widows who have nobody else to care for them
- Care for family widows
- Pay those that work hard for you
When I work events, we call this a “punch list” and I love this one for my life. What I love about Paul is that he never forgets that it is by the grace of God that he gets to do this, because he wasn’t always the greatest guy:
How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him, even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down people, harming them in every way I could. But, God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how kind and gracious the Lord was! He filled me completely with the faith and the love of Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NLT)
Does this sound familiar? It’s never too late for the light to come on in us and to share the Beautiful News! If Paul could change, so can we. And he encourages Timothy:
But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NLT)
As well we all should. Thanks Paul. Read on…
Next up: 2 Timothy
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