Editor:Mercy Maduabuchi
"And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords." -1Timothy 6:13-15 (NLT)
Timothy had no doubt about what was expected of him, because Apostle Paul, his spiritual head gave him a "charge." The word 'charge' has been defined as; 'To impose a duty, responsibility, or obligation on:' or 'To instruct or urge authoritatively; command'. Timothy was instructed and urged authoritatively by Apostle Paul, this was not an option, but direct orders on how to live, and they were important commands for fulfilling God's calling. What was this charge? Paul pointed Timothy back to the initial call he received from God, and reminded him about how Jesus had been faithful in the face of
persecution and even death. Some do not want to be told what to do in this day and age, the independent spirit has enveloped many and this is not of God. Jesus "testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate." He didn't waver under intense scrutiny; He was willing to do the will of God. Jesus provided an example for us to follow. He set an example of selflessness and sacrifice, of obedience and willingness to serve God's Kingdom, no matter the cost. Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to follow this example, so that he could be an example for others, he also reminded Timothy that Jesus will appear again "at the proper time." In the same way, focusing on Jesus' Second Coming will provide helpful perspective for our lives: the decisions we make, the standards we set, and the things we do. It defines our purpose for living and stirs our hearts to reach out to others with the Good News of the Gospel. Make up your mind today to adhere to the charge you have received from the Lord, follow Him, obey Him, serve Him, give your time, talent and resources, whether it is convenient or not, it was not easy for Jesus to die for you on that cross, but because it was worth it, He did it anyway, it will not always be easy to obey God, but we need to make a firm decision to, and we will see the blessing of God in our lives.
persecution and even death. Some do not want to be told what to do in this day and age, the independent spirit has enveloped many and this is not of God. Jesus "testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate." He didn't waver under intense scrutiny; He was willing to do the will of God. Jesus provided an example for us to follow. He set an example of selflessness and sacrifice, of obedience and willingness to serve God's Kingdom, no matter the cost. Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to follow this example, so that he could be an example for others, he also reminded Timothy that Jesus will appear again "at the proper time." In the same way, focusing on Jesus' Second Coming will provide helpful perspective for our lives: the decisions we make, the standards we set, and the things we do. It defines our purpose for living and stirs our hearts to reach out to others with the Good News of the Gospel. Make up your mind today to adhere to the charge you have received from the Lord, follow Him, obey Him, serve Him, give your time, talent and resources, whether it is convenient or not, it was not easy for Jesus to die for you on that cross, but because it was worth it, He did it anyway, it will not always be easy to obey God, but we need to make a firm decision to, and we will see the blessing of God in our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment