Pursue Righteousness
Of
course, there is a great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we
brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out if it; but if
we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to
be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful
desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is
a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
But
as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of
the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good
confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives
life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius
Pilate made the good confession. I charge you to keep
the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which he will bring about at the right time – he who is the blessed and
only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has
immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or
can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As
for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or
to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich
in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the
treasurer of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of
the life that really is life.
1 Timothy
6:6-19
There
is no easy way to become like Christ. It is hard work. It takes determination,
blood, sweat, and tears. In doing so you are always at risk of losing things
you think are important, but really are not. You have to put yourself on the
line. You have to trust God, through your belief in Christ, that there is a
greater plan for your life than you know about.
Your
route will not be effort-free. There is nothing about righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, or gentleness that is easy.
Conversion is the miracle of a moment;
becoming like
Christ is the work of a lifetime.
Our Daily Bread –