We can get so consumed with the hype and fluff, flash in the pan, smoke and mirrors, sensationalist culture that we refuse to be content with the consistency and faithfulness of everyday life.
If it doesn't go bang, boom or entertain and tickle us -- we dismiss it as useless and nonproductive. What may seem to be the everyday drudgery of life can actually be the factor that builds up the greatest amount of character and consistency in our lives. It is then up to God to provide the Fireworks.
I believe the apostles and prophets knew this lesson very well. They lived it and failed at it, but most of them came out victorious because of the everyday consistent life that God requires of all of us.
1Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
1Timothy 6:7 "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
1Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
1Timothy 6:9 "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
1Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
1Timothy 6:11 "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1Timothy 6:12 "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." (KJV)
In this passage the Apostle Paul (Rav Shaul) admonishes his young pastor-disciple Timothy to avoid the wiz boom bang of riches and hold fast to the simple, consistent, everyday things of the Gospel, "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (v11). That sure isn't a popular message in today's culture, is it?
Godly consistency means being content in spite of all the conflicting things this world offers. Harmony with God and one another brings peace of mind. This does not mean we endorse lethargy or are willing to settle for mediocrity. Quite the opposite.
Let us press on at learning the discipline it takes to be a disciple and help other people do the same. Don't allow the sensationalist "want it now" culture we live in to effect your walk in the Lord. Press on to the mark set before us. If we live from week to week expecting one service every Sunday to nourish our spirits, then we are sadly mistaken in our perception of what it takes to grow spiritually. It might seem like drudgery now, but the end result is real measurable growth. It is just like a good work out. No one really wants to push their muscles to the point of pain, but we do it daily if we want to grow stronger.
"For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (1Ti 4:8-10).
Here Rav Shaul, again, is encouraging his young Timothy to press on for the greater gain. It is time we all learn some good spiritual workout habits. So please indulge me to end with my own little word of admonition. All right soldier, give me 50 more Bible verses, no excuses, one--two, one--two. You get the picture. Have a good spiritual workout today; it is time to get pumped up.
May God richly bless you as you grow those spiritual muscles day-by-day, one repetition at a time.
In Messiah Yeshua
Rabbi Henry
If it doesn't go bang, boom or entertain and tickle us -- we dismiss it as useless and nonproductive. What may seem to be the everyday drudgery of life can actually be the factor that builds up the greatest amount of character and consistency in our lives. It is then up to God to provide the Fireworks.
I believe the apostles and prophets knew this lesson very well. They lived it and failed at it, but most of them came out victorious because of the everyday consistent life that God requires of all of us.
1Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
1Timothy 6:7 "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
1Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
1Timothy 6:9 "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
1Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
1Timothy 6:11 "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1Timothy 6:12 "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." (KJV)
In this passage the Apostle Paul (Rav Shaul) admonishes his young pastor-disciple Timothy to avoid the wiz boom bang of riches and hold fast to the simple, consistent, everyday things of the Gospel, "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (v11). That sure isn't a popular message in today's culture, is it?
Godly consistency means being content in spite of all the conflicting things this world offers. Harmony with God and one another brings peace of mind. This does not mean we endorse lethargy or are willing to settle for mediocrity. Quite the opposite.
Let us press on at learning the discipline it takes to be a disciple and help other people do the same. Don't allow the sensationalist "want it now" culture we live in to effect your walk in the Lord. Press on to the mark set before us. If we live from week to week expecting one service every Sunday to nourish our spirits, then we are sadly mistaken in our perception of what it takes to grow spiritually. It might seem like drudgery now, but the end result is real measurable growth. It is just like a good work out. No one really wants to push their muscles to the point of pain, but we do it daily if we want to grow stronger.
"For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (1Ti 4:8-10).
Here Rav Shaul, again, is encouraging his young Timothy to press on for the greater gain. It is time we all learn some good spiritual workout habits. So please indulge me to end with my own little word of admonition. All right soldier, give me 50 more Bible verses, no excuses, one--two, one--two. You get the picture. Have a good spiritual workout today; it is time to get pumped up.
May God richly bless you as you grow those spiritual muscles day-by-day, one repetition at a time.
In Messiah Yeshua
Rabbi Henry
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