GREAT HUGS!

1 Timothy 6

1-2Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don't blame God and our teaching for his behavior. Slaves with Christian masters all the more so—their masters are really their beloved brothers!

2-5These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.

6-8A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.

9-10But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.

11-12But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

13-16I'm charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn't give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don't slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He'll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He's the only one death can't touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He's never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can't take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.

I took 5 minutes and I thought on this scripture earlier today. I first thought of what it means to be a slave to God. The word “slave” can sound so negative but Paul tells us to make the best of it and give respect to our master. By doing this we are setting a good Christian example and no one can blame God on our behavior. I mean, what would people think of God if His people just walked around cursing and gossiping. If we cruised through life ignoring our Master’s commandments, would that help bring people to better know Jesus?
We are told to flee from envy and conceit, quarrels and controversies. By doing this, we will become very wealthy. Not money-wealthy but rather “the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.” Thinking on this brought some new thoughts to mind. Being myself before God…am I ready for that? Am a good enough person to truly be myself before God? Do I have a choice? The NIV helps me to better understand the words “rich simplicity.” Paul says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” So being a joyful Christian is the great payoff. I find much truth in that. After all, being a Christian is the only thing you get to take from this world. So I’d say that’s the only stock worth investing in!
And Paul tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. To me, Paul just described Jesus and Jesus is who we should be like. Let’s take a minute to define these words in reference to Christianity.
Righteousness: Morally upright; without guilt or sin
Godliness: Having great reverence for God; pious
Faith: The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will
Love: Charity
Endurance: The act, quality, or power of withstanding hardship or stress
Gentleness: Considerate or kindly in disposition
Let’s now think about a time when Jesus exhibited these qualities. Matthew chapter 4 tells us about a time when Jesus is tempted by the devil. Jesus resists each time…righteousness. Godliness…obvious answer is dying on the cross. Jesus did everything God asked Him to do and suffered great pain because of it. But He had faith and accepted God’s will. Jesus has such a love for God’s people. He forgave and forgave and forgave. He healed and He blessed. I’d say endurance has a lot to do with dying on the cross. That situation could probably considered a hardship and may have caused just a little bit of stress. And gentleness, well, He is Jesus. He washed peoples’ feet, He thanked them for small offerings, He healed their children. I bet He gives the best hugs!!
Jesus is on the way to take us home. Let’s run hard to reach Heaven’s door, burning calories the whole way, keeping in mind that our body is a temple and the whole time carrying a banner letting people know that we are CHRISTIANS and we give the best hugs!

Let us pray.