Pursue Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Endurance, Gentleness

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

1 Timothy 6:11-16

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal. Paul urged Timothy to go after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. This command from Paul did not have an expiration date attached to it. The spiritual disciplines require continued attention throughout our lives. If rest becomes our goal, then rust is right behind.

Our capabilities may vary with age, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end.

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul.

Our Daily Bread - August 29, 2008