Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12
Timothy stayed in Ephesus to chose and train church leaders. The Epistle, I Timothy, is the first letter Paul wrote to this missionary, giving explicit instruction for church leadership, cooperate and individual holy living and personal encouragement for Timothy himself. The words above are in the closing comments of this letter. They are very impassioned! “Tim! Don’t give up! I know it’s hard but remember for Whom you are working and never forget you are first and foremost a sinner saved by grace!”
The Christian population cannot cloister themselves from a sin infested world. If we did, the mission of the Body of Christ would halt, or would have halted shortly after it began. Yet, neither can we embrace the values of this world. Holiness is simple, but this balance between earthly survival (prosperity, influence, getting along with people we don’t agree with, humility verses boldness) and Heavenly aim is tough. The answer? What Paul writes to Timothy applies to you too. Don’t give up! You are a sinner saved by grace. Walk only the path that leads to the Throne of God and with great love, invite many more to join you.
Love,
Gretchen