Verse of the Day 7/11

 

2 Timothy 2:22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

 

I mentioned the other day how we are called, challenged to get out of the rat race and follow God, follow the Lord's leading in our lives. I believe that the "youthful passions" or the "infantile indulgence" (MSG) described in today's verse would be part of being caught up in the rat race.  This race is often justified by those in the race saying "everybody else is doing it".  The verse also tells us that we are to "pursue" better things "righteousness" which is a right standing before God, the path to which involves receiving and sharing the faith, peace and love described.

 

It all boils down to is asking of ourselves "what are the purposes of my life"?  Rick Warren writes "The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose. " 

 

People in the rat race may think that they are in it for personal fulfillment, but the further along they go, chances are the more they realize that they have not yet nor never will attain it on that course.  Read the passage from The Message below.  The "rat race" could easily be defined as "the Devil's trap", held captive to running his errands.   May we avoid the race, avoid the trap be "gentle listeners" and "teachers who keep their cool" as we pursue, as we "call on the Lord from a pure heart" (ESV).

 

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

 

2 Timothy 2:22-26The Message (MSG)

^22-26 Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.