(2Timothy 2:5) An athlete is not crowned unless he competes
according to the rules.
Paul
writes a letter to Timothy and it is obviously that he was dear to Paul’s
heart. Not that any of the other converts in Pauls life weren’t valued, but
when one reads between the lines it’s obvious that this was a young man he was
very excited about, someone to fly the Christian flag with similar considerations.
Paul nurtures him in the faith with the result that we secure great benefit when
studying the book of Timothy, especially in our day and age, where everything
is starting to spiral out of control, and this is a book that will help keep
the Christian grounded in their faith. It is a great guide to our rudders. DO
NOT err from its teaching as if we have moved on from that type of mind-set,
it’s what the enemy wants us to do.
I
am persuaded that the voice of God is heard over the static of life when it
comes to his children. However many, myself included, have been drawn to so
much unnecessary heartache and the dullness of hearing has brought about much suffering.
I do not refer to suffering for doing good, which is part of a Christian’s
journey, but sadly suffering for our own folly; “For
what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if
when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the
sight of God.” (1Peter 2:20)
The
brain is like a sponge and it absorbs whatever it encounters with the different
receptors acting out, making us who we are. Once we feed something that we
believe as enjoyment, there is a carving for more of it. The particulars of
that may vary slightly from individual to individual depending on their
defiance. One may have a need to skydive whilst the other may need to scuba
dive. The “Bucket List” seems to be the flavour of the decade. It now has an
identity, the desire to quench our passion has been around since the fall of
Adam. One may ask, what is so wrong with a “bucket list” (a to-do list before
we die)? Everything! If it takes us away from God and not towards Him and His glorious
light. In fact anything in our lives that has a similar effect on us needs to
be evaluated through the eyes of the Spirit. Without learning to put on the
mind of Christ appropriately we may believe we are travelling in the right
direction when in fact we are standing over a hidden metallic belt and our
compasses are being affected. It reads north when in fact it should read south.
This is where the Word of GOD is fundamental to the Christian. Without it as
part of our daily routine, we will lose direction.
As
intricate as the brain is, it’s the pleasure receptor I wish to explore. The
part of us that keeps going back for more, which is frequently driven by a
sinful lust of a sort. Whatever you believe to be your fancy, do not be fool,
it is no more than a smokescreen to keep you from a relationship with God. I
love the “bush” and as a photographer I have spent much time admiring God’s
creatures and His creation, looking for the perfect image. However as soon as I
place more affection on his creation than I do upon Him, even if it’s a subtle
shift, I am now feeding the receptor that the enemy Satan is looking to nourish,
getting me to realign my focus, taking my eyes off my God. We have all been
commanded to work it out for ourselves, we have been given this life to graft
it out and then it’s over, no more chances. “Do not be conformed but be
transformed” is the instruction. King David’s son Solomon was given wisdom by
God and yet he put himself through so much testing, exploring the boundaries of
the flesh and the frontier of knowledge. He tried to satisfy his carnal
desires, whatever his mind could fathom, he explored. This was his conclusion; …Of
making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the
flesh. The end of
the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every
deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes
12:12-14)
The voice of this world is not our comrade, God is
the Christians friend and that is why He has given us His written Word. The
Holy Bible must be our controls in this saturated world. It is full of
beautiful clues to what is going on around us. It’s a true companion. When we
do not like what jumps out at us it’s not the Word that needs changing, but
rather our sentiments. Do not be fooled into thinking that there are those who
cannot twist any text for selfish gain. It with a slippery tongue and our own
natural tendencies to take the easy way out that causes entrapment. We all have
a natural tendency in us to bargain the easy way out but this is a sure
indicator that we are walking in the flesh, it’s our worldly eyes that in the driver’s
seat and not the WORD OF GOD. If it’s about self-gratification then we are
walking in the flesh, it’s our carnal instincts that drives us against the will
of God.
Back to the text, there is a certain way we have
to live our lives if we want to be crowned, no differently to the athlete that
must compete according to the rules of that particular event. If broken, they are
disqualified! This is what we need to work out in our own lives. I realise that
not all will have the gifting of teaching or one of the other gift ministries.
However, I do believe that regardless of our measure, God’s Word is enough to
feed us and get us home, it is that powerful!
Scripture and verse in context, with the author’s
intention always in the forefronts of our minds and with the Lord Jesus in the
Christians corner, who can ultimately come against us? We must run in
accordance to the rules if we are to be crowned. The Holy Bible is that guide,
it is our handbook to eternal life, therefore lets us treasure it as much for
our lives do depend upon it. Father God, keep all you children from those who
look to uproot the believer and their grounding upon your Holy Word, praise the
name of Jesus Christ our Lord now and forever more, Amen, Amen and Amen!
Signing off
Tyrone
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