Scripture:
- 2 Timothy 2:22
Observations:
So, today's passage discusses what I was talking about yesterday.
So flee youthful passions - It's interesting how lust and desires of the flesh are considered "youthful passions". It's almost as though Paul is saying that a mature believer is set apart by his indulgences and sins... Oh wait...
Also, note that we're to flee them. Paul isn't saying to entertain them, humour them, or any other such thing. Just leave. If you need to step outside for a breath of fresh air and a prayer, do so. If you need to close our eyes, do so. Whatever you do, just flee these temptations.
and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace - In our fleeing sin, we must remember to also pursue God, lest we find ourselves stumbling into another sin. These things, also, are fruits that come from seeking God, righteousness, being one not mentioned yesterday. Righteousness is "The quality of being morally right or justifiable," or, in this case, being in a justified standing with God. We cannot be righteous if we are engaging in sin. Instead, we must be pursuing righteousness in God, the ultimate standard for righteousness.
along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart - Who we associate with will help or hinder us in our pursuit of Christ. Think of it this way: if a recovering alcoholic were to hang around with a bunch of drinkers, how successful do you think he would be? Similarly, we need to be selective about who we allow to come alongside us and spur us towards God. I'm not saying don't interact with the world - Christ told us specifically to carry the gospel to all ends of the earth. I'm saying be selective about who you allow to pour into you. If I spend time with a bunch of guys who regularly objectify women, make dirty jokes, and splurge on porn and/or prostitutes, I will find myself, over time, being dragged down to their level. If I spend time with guys who are actively seeking God and encouraging each other in their own personal relationships with God, over time, my relationship with God will improve.
Application:
What is my behaviour? Am I making lewd jokes, ogling women, or entertaining lustful thoughts or fantasies? These things I need to continue fleeing, keeping a conscious watch on my mind and attitude, to train myself to flee from such things
Am I pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace? These things I need to continue seeking, training myself to move towards God with intentionality not just in my daily time with God, but in times of temptation as I'm fleeing.
Who am I associating with? Are the friends I'm making in class ones who will spur me on towards God? If they are, I need to seek out and deepen their friendship. If not, I need to cut them off.
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The Love Dare
Day 27: Love Encourages
"Love puts the focus on personal responsibility and improving yourself rather than on demanding more from others."I love this statement. In the middle of talking about how love allows the other to be human, not burdening them down with your expectations, moving to the idea of living by encouragement, not expectations.
"Don’t you want married life to be a place where you can enjoy free expression of who you are, growing within a safe environment that encourages you even when you fail? Your spouse does too – and love gives them that privilege."
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