Life will cause us to encounter situations that will not only challenge our faith, but walk of integrity and honor. We may see others compromise their ethics or walk in questionable ways, but that shouldn’t stop us from maintaining our honor before God and others. By walking faithfully in humility, grateful for His grace, He will keep you predisposed with attitudes that will issue in honor.
RELEVANCE
Paul’s disciple and son in the faith, Timothy, encountered bitter trials. He was serving as pastor of the church in Ephesus in the midst of opposition and hardship. He was dealing with the kind of foolish quarreling, false speculation and empty religiosity that would cause any leader to be tempted to act in a manner of compromise. Paul, however, shed light on the matter. He called a spade a spade, encouraged Timothy to continue in faith and courage, and maintain his walk of honor regardless of those conducting themselves in contrary ways.
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:20-26).
Paul encouraged Timothy to stand strong in faith and pursue truth. He labeled all sorts of dishonorable behavior and admonished Timothy to expect perilous times, perilous people and persecution. At the same time he strengthened him with instruction to keep focused on God’s word and the greater purpose.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What trials or situations may be tempting you to compromise your faith or morals? Ask God for strength and wisdom for the battle. He will be faithful to keep you in the way to walk.
REFERENCES
Joshua 1:5-9