Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Timothy 3:10, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance.”

Background

I don’t follow anyone on Twitter. I have never sent or received a “tweet,” nor do I know how to. I really have no idea how that social medium works, and I wouldn’t have the first clue how to use it, even if I absolutely had to. These facts may point to several indicators. My age, for one. My lack of technical savvy, for another. But primarily, it speaks to my total disregard for the inane minutia which apparently gets proliferated amongst people who have practically nothing to say, yet do it in far too many words. Imagine Jesus or Paul having a Twitter account. “Had a nice walk this afternoon across the lake. No bridge required.” “Brought my friend back to life. Enjoyed a nice meal with him and his sisters.” “In prison again. Just waiting for angel to set me free.” “Might be late to the temple tomorrow. Audience stoned me after my sermon.” No, I can’t picture Jesus and Paul trivializing what they were all about. And I don’t read where they spent much time messing with the trivial.

Application

But they both certainly had followers. They had those who knew all that they were about. Timothy knew about the teachings of Paul. He knew what he believed and why he believed it. He had observed his conduct. He knew what his purpose in life was. Paul had left no room for doubt as to what he was about and why. And therefore, Timothy had seen his faith. He had witnessed his patience, love, and perseverance. He knew of Paul’s trials and beatings. Is that what people are following today? Is that why anyone is following you? Do they know what you believe, and why? Do they observe your conduct as something to model? Is there a higher purpose that motivates your words and actions? Where is your patience, love and perseverance in times of stress and difficulty? You might tweet about the game you’re watching on tv this week or something rude that happened to you at work. But what are you doing that’s worth being followed more than a few seconds at a time?

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to live out through you more powerfully than any manner that man has devised. Follow Jesus with all your heart, and everything else you can follow with.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words