But as for you

16 Sep But as for you

Read  1 Timothy 6:11-16
Thought for the Day: I am responsible for my faith and actions!

Pitching through the infamous “Steroid Era” of baseball, Pedro Martinez is notable for his fiery disposition, total dominance on the mound, and integrity. Listed at 5’11” and 170 lbs, Martinez was never the most physically gifted player. But, when up to 60% of his contemporaries were using performance-enhancing drugs, Pedro didn’t join in. Instead, he focused on playing the right way and taking care of his body: “I believe that if you’re healthy, you’re capable of doing everything. There’s no one else who can give you health but God, and by being healthy I believe that God is listening to me.” No matter what other players did, Pedro refused to cheat!

As he wrote to his protege, the Apostle Paul made it clear that Timothy would encounter his share of false teachers and negative influences: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” Timothy had a choice: he could love himself first and compromise, or he could love God first and practice holiness. Paul stressed the importance of pursuing God first, last, and always. No matter what anyone else chose to do, Timothy could focus on walking right with God.

Today, it is easy to get caught up comparing ourselves to others. It is easy to get frustrated when we see others making choices we know are wrong. However, we are best off when we focus on our own pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. We do not need to get involved in situations that do not concern us. Each of us will stand before God and be held accountable for ourselves. When others make the wrong choices, let’s remember Paul’s words: but as for you! It’s important to learn to live the right way!

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David