A Lifetime, Lifelong, Lifestyle. 1Timothy 6:11-14 NLT

Do you remember the zeal you had when you were first saved? Maybe you were filled with a feeling of careful boldness as you took your next steps forward in your new life. I remember that day very clearly. I don't remember the date but It was in November at the second service at Calvary Chapel in Tucson. I remember going out to my car afterward and crying my eyes out before I collected myself and was able to drive home. 

Maybe over the years that zeal faded. Maybe you're not as careful about your words or actions. Maybe you just keep shorter accounts because you don't try as hard. Maybe you've walked away, not completely but enough to emulate the old self, the world, and Christ is only an occasional thought.

Paul gives some great advice here to Timothy on avoiding that exact problem. It starts with "run". Run from all evil. Then "pursue". Pursue righteousness and a godly life. Pursue faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. How do we pursue? Stay in the word, read your Bible, talk to God, seek Him.  

I love verse 12, its a classic. "Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses."

You once claimed it, so keep doing it. You were in it for the long haul then, you're still in it for the long haul ahead. It's not suppose to be a passing fad, a fading style. It's suppose to be a lifetime, lifelong,  lifestyle. 

1Timothy 6:11-14 NLT

Paul’s Final Instructions 

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.  12Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 

Blessings, Cecilia