Great advice!

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Scripture

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 1:13 NASB)

 

Observation


This verse is a powerful nugget of truth. For many of us we have received sound words of instruction throughout our lives. We have studied the word and listened to many a sermon. The question always seems to be what we will do with that knowledge or information. Timothy had received instruction from a great mentor who had taken time to share the truths from life which had been experienced in faith and love which had come from Christ himself. For many of us there are those who have gone before us who have shared that faith and love with us and we must ask ourselves what we will do with what we have received.

 

Application


I think of the standard of faith which I have received from my own parents. My parents were never ones to simply talk about their faith, but they lived it out wholeheartedly. One of my earliest memories as a child was someone knocking at the door at dinnertime in Germany and begging for food. There were many war veterans who had returned home to Germany to discover that they had nothing left -- no family -- no home -- nothing and in those days they would live on the streets. We had very little ourselves and mom was always doing everything she could to stretch the family budget. But if anyone were ever in need, she would do everything she could to help them. It might be a big piece of German bread slathered with butter, and it would be given with great love and grace. I have never felt that my parents simply preached a gospel, they lived it!

Just last evening I called my parents who are now in their upper 80's. They had spent the day in Sunday School, Church , then out with the grandkids -- they had held another service in the afternoon at the "home" in which they live - and now were spending the evening listening to CDs of the Bible. They always feel as if there is more to learn. I know that if I call around eight in the morning I will catch the two of them reading the word together and having prayer, going over that long list of children and grandchildren and great grandchildren with the Lord. Then, dad will go to work where he will be a minister of Jesus Christ and show love to people who are needing compassion during times of financial crisis in their lives. Later  he'll take a box of donuts to the guys selling used cars and hang out and asked what's going on in their lives!

These words were a challenge to Timothy and they are to me as well. The standard is pretty high -- but it usually is when it's Christlikeness! A standard has been handed to all of us. What will we do with it? We are challenged to continue to live out our faith through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the only way in which this life can be lived. We cannot live out our faith by trying to live up to a human standard, but the standard is knowing Jesus himself. This occurs when we focus on the intimacy of a relationship with him that becomes the highest priority in our lives. Good advice!

 

Prayer


Lord, may each day be one in which I draw closer to you and may my daily life reflect you to the world around me. Amen.

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