Work

I am currently reading through 2 Timothy. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.

2 Timothy 2

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

Work. Most people don’t set out to make decisions that they will be ashamed of later. And yet, I have made many decisions that I am ashamed of. I need to work harder at being realistic (honest) about the consequences of my decisions and avoiding the circumstances that lead to those consequences.

Anything

I am currently reading through 2 Timothy. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.

2 Timothy 1

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

Anything. I love Paul’s mindset. Life is about introducing people to Jesus and bringing honor to God and I want to have the attitude that I will do anything to make that happen.

Please

I am currently reading through 2 Timothy. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.

2 Timothy 2

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

Please. Reading Paul’s example of a soldier, I was struck by the question ... “Who am I trying to please?” In the way that I talk and work and live, who am I trying to please? Tough question. Important answer.

Teach

I am currently reading through 2 Timothy. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.

2 Timothy 2

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Teach. Right before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples their “marching orders” ... make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The primary vehicle there and here is teaching ... “teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” and “teach these truths”. As Jesus followers, it is our responsibility to teach the people we know what we know. You may not feel like you know enough ... don’t wait, teach them what you know so far. Then, keep learning. Who are you teaching? What are you learning?