"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."
1 Timothy 6:11
Paul's use of the words flee and pursue call us to action. They aren't things that just happen, but rather, we have to make a decision to act.
One Bible commentary states it this way,
"This traditional formula of exhortation compels the readers to "escape" from the dangers of sin...(and) to pursue a righteous life...The tone is that of an emergency. Both flight and pursuit, however, require not only a conscious decision but also a sustained, lifelong effort; the emergency ends only with the appearance of Christ (6:14).
God really spoke this to my heart the other day when I read this. It is time for me to make a conscious decision to flee sin and pursue a balanced spiritual life. To pursue qualities like love and faith, not just sit around hoping they will magically appear in my life.
Paul's words to Timothy involve two imporant actions that all of us can apply to our lives. Flee sin and pursue righteousness. Escape temptation and follow after godliness. It won't just happen to us; we must (with God's help) cultivate those qualities in our lives. God is faithful to meet us and walk with us, but He will not force Himself nor those qualities into our character and our lives.
Get ready - lights, camera, ACTION!
