Friday, February 9, 2024
Motivate!
February 9, 2024
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray.
Read 1 Timothy 1:12-20
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience as an example to those who would come to believe in him. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith; among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme (NRSV).
Be Still: What is more motivating in our faith journey than our heart-felt gratitude for God’s grace in our lives. Paul knows firsthand about God’s transforming grace. He was once a violent persecutor of the church, but God transformed his ways and called him to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul gave thanks to God for his calling and salvation, and he encouraged young Timothy to not only embrace and stand firm in his faith, but also, to continue to fight the good fight for Christ.
This passage can motivate and inspire us all to be grateful for God’s grace in our lives. No matter what our past was, no matter how far off the path we traveled or how rebellious we were, God will forgive us and change us by His grace. Paul did not compare himself or his self-worth with others, he simply recognized where he fell short, he made the necessary adjustments, so he could be a champion to fight the good fight of faith. He encourages Timothy to do the same.
How does your daily faith and love for Christ overflow in your daily living. How does your faith motivate you to continue to fight the good fight? Where might you need a little extra encouragement today? Ask God to help continue doing what is good.
Prayer: Gracious God, may we continue to turn toward you in our clarity and our confusion. May our thoughts be of filled with the gratitude we have for your generous mercy and amazing grace in our lives.
Amen.
Pastor Kellie