1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

It strikes me that it probably blessed Timothy to his core that Paul addressed him as “man of God.” We know nothing of Timothy’s biological father, except that he was Greek, but Paul was very much a father figure to him. We know that Timothy struggled with self-image issues, (2 Timothy 1:7) but here Paul is addressing him as an equal, a fellow-worker, and it probably gave Timothy a glow that lasted for some time. The second thing that strikes me about this verse is that after talking about all the negatives of fixating on material wealth, he then gives a list of alternative things to seek after, and it is a good list indeed. For many people Christianity has the image of being very negative. I remember the “church lady” character in Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In of over 50 years ago. The show as a whole was very enjoyable and often hilarious, but that character was part of the devil’s push to get people to marginalize faith, and for many people that push was all too successful. The last thing the devil wants is for people to discover the joy and peace that are available only through Christ Jesus the Lord. Even believers get distracted, so we all need to be reminded of this list from time to time. We all need help in staying on track. That’s a major reason for the Church, so we can encourage one another, as it says repeatedly in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11 and Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25. We are indeed to admonish one another when we see risky behavior, (Colossians 3:16 and elsewhere) but our focus should be on the positive, reminding one another of all the good that God has prepared for us.

This is something I need to remember, both as a pastor and as a believer. I tend toward perfectionism, and too often fail to express appreciation to other believers for their efforts, particularly when they don’t do things the way I might prefer. That’s an area where I need to keep growing, just as Paul told Timothy to do. The fact that people have inadvertently stomped on me when I was emotionally weak is no excuse for me to do it to others. I need to keep praying to see others as God sees them, recognizing them as God’s precious children and treating them appropriately. Yes, I am to admonish when called for, but the major focus needs to be on appreciation and encouragement, because that is what God has done for me.

Father, thank You for this very timely Word. Help me not just say, that’s nice, but rather live it out in practical application, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!