Do you have unflinching assurance that you are making the right decisions?
Every time I read Paul’s letters to Timothy, I feel like my dad is once again mentoring me for success in life. I treasure the pastoral wisdom Paul passed to Timothy, but the wisdom wasn’t for Timothy alone. Paul’s charge to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-17) is a charge for you! Your answers to the five questions will keep you advancing in God’s plan. You can walk God’s path with confidence!
#1 WHAT DO GODLY, MATURE ROLE MODELS SAY ABOUT IT?
“You, however, know [DO YOU LEARN FROM OTHERS?] all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11 NIV)
Timothy’s journeys with Paul – so many miles, so many places, so many hardships – furnished a first-hand example for Timothy to follow. Choose your traveling companions well. Learn from the lifestyles and decision-making processes of wise men and women of God. Seek counsel and gain wisdom from others. Don’t resist asking for advice fearing it might interfere with your plans. Ultimately, the greatest Godly counsel is only as good as the use you make of it.
#2 WHAT DOES YOUR GUT SAY ABOUT IT?
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [DOING RIGHT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY.] while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13 NIV)
Don’t allow the wolfishness of the wolves around you to spark sheepish hesitancy within you. Deal honestly with your emotions. In your inner “know-er”, what are you feeling? Peace? Fear? Faith? Uncertainty? Timidity isn’t from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Don’t let fear of people, fear of failure, or fear of hardship curb your passion to live for God’s glory.
Refuse fear-based living! Fear is a poor compass. Don’t let fear be the reason you do or don’t do something. The right path may be difficult but God’s strength within you imparts balanced boldness and optimistic audacity.
Read tomorrow’s post for questions #3, 4, 5.
