At times, we make poor choices and allow them to
define who we are, causing us to live in a downward spiral with one destructive
choice after another. We put away our faith and shipwreck our life.
However, we can
also hold on to our faith with a good conscience and to please the Lord (1
Timothy 1:19). We share our
faith, have charity toward others and live in sober purity.
I am not
referring to somber holiness without enjoying life, but sober and Biblical living
in thoughts, words and conduct (1 Timothy 2:15, 4:12). Our ways please the Lord
and we do not sin against Him or dishonor His holy name (Psalm 23:3).
We gain our self-image and fulfillment from His
presence in our life and we follow His will for our career, relationships and
all of our decisions.
If church
leaders are responsible in their office and have boldness in their faith,
following Biblical doctrines, they earn for themselves a commendation from the
Lord (1 Timothy 3:13, 4:6; Titus 2:2).
They provide
for their own family and cling to their first love and faith (1 Timothy 5:8,
12). They keep worldly riches in proper perspective, as a source of provision
rather than to be coveted as their first priority (1 Timothy 6:10).
There is a
temptation for all of us to allow seducing spirits to water down our faith
through demonic doctrines. We compromise with sin and allow it to squeeze
through the cracks in our faith.
For instance,
we do not want unsaved friends and relatives condemned to eternal destruction,
so we reject the truth of God's Word that Jesus is the only way (1 Timothy
4:1).
God calls
all of His children to run from ungodliness and to live in holiness, faith,
love, patience and meekness; fighting the good fight against sin, the devil and
the world; and sharing our sincere faith with others (1 Timothy 6:11-12; 2
Timothy 1:5, 2:22, 3:10).
Prayer:
Father God,
the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached to the whole world, but it does not bear
fruit in everyone, because it is not mixed with faith in some of those that
hear it (Hebrews 4:2). They condemn themselves to hell by their own unbelief
(John 3:18).
Help us to repent
from our dead works and to believe in You by faith in the principles of the
doctrine of Christ. Our heart's desire is to press on into perfection and to
come to the fullness of an intimate relationship with You now and throughout
eternity (Hebrews 6:1).
Thought for
the Day:
The holy
Word of God makes us wise, helps us to understand our salvation which comes
from Jesus Christ, and enables us to finish our course, which God planned for
us before the beginning of time. - 2 Timothy 3:15, 4:7; Ephesians 2:10
