Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Strength and Compassion”
Our Bible verse for today: “But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses.” 1Timothy 6:11-12 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “We need people who will challenge us.”
Paul and Timothy were partners in ministry but they also had a mentor/student relationship. It was Paul who helped Timothy realize and accept his call to ministry, and it was Paul who guided the young man in his spiritual growth.
For almost twenty years Paul provided instruction and counsel to his young protégé, but he also frequently challenged him. That’s what we’re reading in 1Timothy 6:11-12. “Fight the good fight of faith.” “Pursue godly virtues.” “Hold fast to the truth.” In other places Paul urged Timothy to preach the Good News of the Gospel whether people were open to it and willing to accept it or not. He also told the young man to be bold and confident in his leadership, and so much more.
It has been said that people who think you are weak will offer you an excuse but people who respect you will offer you a challenge. That’s very true. People who make excuses for you end up enabling your weak behavior and destructive habits. People who believe in you will challenge you to strive for growth and to demonstrate strength and compassion when doing so isn’t easy. They will do that for you because they know you have what it takes to be better and stronger. So it’s crucial to surround ourselves with those who will challenge us like that.
Granted, there’s comfort in being with those who will feed into our weaknesses and insecurities – people who will make excuses for us. Being with people who challenge us is harder, but oh so much more rewarding.
I encourage you to seek out such people and give them the freedom to speak words of truth and challenge into your life. They will help you to keep moving forward and to grow stronger and better.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 