Chasing after Jesus

 

 

READ 1 Timothy

It seems to me that a huge benefit of receiving Christ as a child is learning how to live in God’s kingdom starts early, whereas those of us who were saved as adults have many established habits and ways of thinking that we need to unlearn. However, reading Paul’s first letter to Timothy has me rethinking this notion. Paul’s instructions seem to indicate that even though Timothy had a mom and grandmother who taught him about Christ, this young pastor had much to learn or at least remember in living his own life and in leading other Christians in godly living.

Much of Paul’s letter is about ‘godliness’ — a word that appears nine times. The first one gives Timothy instruction about the attitude of Christian women who at that time were in danger of following a worldly value system that focused on being attractive with costly clothes, jewelry and fancy hairdos. That value system persists even today so it is for my attention! I need to remember that in the kingdom of God, our values include “modesty and self-control” as is “proper for women who profess godliness — with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:10) While being presentable is important, being like Jesus is far more important than outward appearance. Unlearning the temporal and learning what is eternal takes years for some of us!

Our example is Jesus. Paul points to Him as the “mystery of godliness” — not so much about His great love for us (see yesterday’s post) but that He came here to demonstrate that love by being: “manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16) I need to keep my focus on Him, for in Christian circles, that old sinful self is active. With the prompting of the enemy, the philosophies of the world, and the desires of the human heart, believers can stray away to false teaching. Our goal is being transformed into the image of Christ, but neglecting spiritual disciples of confession and plain old obedience will mess with that goal.

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7–8)

This applies to everyone, not just pastors like Timothy. Paul says, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 5:4) yet he points out to teachers and church leaders the danger of sliding off their main focus:

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, (1 Timothy 6:3–6)

In reading this as an ordinary person who is growing older and not as active in Christian service as I once was, I know that these words still apply to me. I represent Jesus to my family, friends and neighbors. Even though Timothy isn’t here to teach me what Paul taught him, I can learn from the teaching he received in this letter and remember to “flee these things” that pull me away from Jesus, and “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11) I can also record what I learn for others to read, knowing that we live in a world of needy people who are seeking godliness without realizing it can be found only in Jesus.