Timely Lifeguards

Today's Verse:

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:11-12 

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Lifeguards are individuals who have been trained to rescue people who are at risk of drowning. Their duty is to monitor and be alert for anyone showing signs of distress in the water. They are trained in rescue and first aid. This morning, we see three lifeguards that can prevent us from drowning in bad decisions. 

We see the temptation. 

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts...." Paul warned Timothy and the believers at Ephesus against the sin of covetousness, specifically the love of money. He warned that if riches and money are one's primary goal in life, this person will be controlled by the desire for worldly gain. When we commit the sin of covetousness, we have broken the tenth commandment. The love of money is the root of all evil. When the love for more money becomes our god, we lose our desire for spiritual things, cut corners in our business and financial dealings, and live for acquiring material things. Paul said that it was not only a temptation, but also a snare or trap that would hurt and drown us in destruction and perdition. Those who have been ensnared have "erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

We see the tactic. 

Paul tells us about three tactics we must use in order to avoid falling into the money trap. First, we must flee these things. Run from lustful desires. Run from the pursuit of money, financial gain, and covetous desires. He did not say it was evil to have money, make good investment choices, or work hard for a promotion. He was saying that when those desires control what you do and want, it is time to run. Second, we must follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. We must give ourselves wholeheartedly to virtues and practices that identify us as men and women of character and spiritual maturity. Third, he said to fight the good fight of faith. Fight the temptation to seek status, keep up with other people, and live for self. Fight the devil by putting on the whole armor of God and having a victorious prayer life. 

We see the tenure. 

"That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ...." In order for us to be safe from the treacherous waters of covetousness and the love of money, we must keep this commandment without fail until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as a lifeguard always watches for anyone in danger, we must constantly be in compliance with the commandment to flee, follow, and fight. Paul said to keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable. In other words, do not be accused or charged with this sin. Make sure you stay in sight of these lifeguards of the heart and faith so that you do not become ensnared and wind up drowning in destruction and hurtful lusts. 

Lifeguards watch over us for our safety. Follow the order of these spiritual lifeguards until the coming of our Lord! 

Have a safe God Morning! 

 Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 13-17

#1Timothy #Covetousness #Fight #Flee #Follow #Temptation