Daily Worship

The end of the story has been written

Campbell Dye May 07, 2018 0 0
moor_clouds
Image credit: Campbell Dye

1 Timothy 6: 11-12

11 But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12 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.

I sometimes find ‘peace’ an elusive thing. I am envious of those Christians who radiate perma-smiles and appear constantly in a state of calm and comfort. I find life complex and confusing - there are constant ripples or waves which deflect or unnerve me.

Paul gives some ideas about anchors which can hold us steady and help us retain and maintain our peace in the love of God - pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. All of these are pursuits which orientate us towards the nature and identity of God. If we can focus on such attributes in our lives we have a better chance of peace becoming more the norm.

But Paul warns it will not be easy - he talks about us fighting the good fight. Becoming a Christian is easy but living the life of a Christian is far from plain sailing - I don’t think that’s what we are promised. But we do know how the story ends, whatever twists and turns we encounter along the way.

 

Loving and everlasting God, sometimes the way is hard. I struggle with doubt, I behave badly and make mistakes. Let me be at peace with my faults, but transform me through Your love to be the person You made me to be. Let me be at peace with my doubts, but through Your power fill me with faith. Let me be at peace with my fears, but through Your grace fill me with confidence and assurance that I am loved by You and free, through Jesus, from Your condemnation.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.