There is doing a job because you have to and living a life because you love to.
I really enjoy football. (Yeah it’s football, we call it football, you can call it soccer all you like, it is a game played with a ball predominantly moved by the foot and so football is a fitting name) The game is a fascinating one for me and what I love to do is talk to others about it. I cannot talk to anyone about it. There are those who make a claim to enjoy the game, but it doesn’t take long to see that they have a superficial knowledge and interest in the game.
Thankfully, though, I have come across one or two folks who truly love the game and can converse on it knowledgeably. They love it. They watch it whenever they can. They have really got stuck into the game. They know their stuff. That kind of person is one that I prefer to converse about the game with.
In as much as I enjoy the game – and I really can talk about it for hours – there is no doubt in my mind that I love Jesus more. It hasn’t always been that way, but today it is the case. It is so much the case that I’m passionate about learning and living the life of Christ. To that degree, just like in football, I’m really interested in being around people who are passionate about learning and living the life of Christ.
Just like football, however, there are those who have a superficial, passing acquaintance with Him. It won’t take long to discover that certain folks don’t really know Him and to a large extent they don’t have an interest in knowing Him. Recently I was reminded of this encouragement from Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[c]so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
There were certain activities that Timothy was supposed to maintain, but more than a practice, Paul wanted his son to exemplify a life immersed in Christ.
There is something about someone who loves their stuff as well as know it. Seeing them progress in their passion and authentically express it – it’s appealing and attractive. When we can see others whose lives can seem fairly mundane and resigned to a lifeless routine, this lifestyle stands out. It’s remarkable. It’s noteworthy, someone will see it and notice that there is something distinct about the person. Something that goes beyond a practice and touches on a passion. Something that goes beyond a demonstration and highlights an overwhelming desire.
Here I am once more, then. The challenge Paul gives to Timothy is one that he gives to us who would pay attention. It’s more than just a declaration of love – it’s the demonstration. It’s more than just a demonstration, it’s that intangible knowing that reading, encouraging, preaching, loving, serving, sharing and delighting in life comes from a desire to reflect the life of Christ.
Challenge accepted?
(Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 