FIGHT, FINISH, FAITH: II Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7

Fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. There it is, three checks to make sure you are on track.

Are you fighting the good fight? Think about that...the good fight. There are many bad fights out there. I think back on most of the battles I have had over the years and I doubt if I would get into it about many at this time. They just wouldn't be a good, as in worthwhile  fight.  There are some things that you must fight for and there is no way to avoid it unless you totally cave into the world. What was Paul's good fight? Sharing the gospel and building up churches. 

Are you setting yourself up to finish the race? When I first gave my life to Christ I guess thought that Christ's second coming would be within a few years. I still believe Christ could come at any time, I just realize that he is very patient and there are many yet to be saved. My place is to run this race like he might come today or the day after I die. Either way, I run for  Christ and to Christ.

Are you keeping the faith? Not a faith, the faith. Faith in Christ, in his death, resurrection, intercession and return. Faith in his faithfulness, his unfailing love, his grace, mercy and forgiveness. Faith in his absolute sovereignty. He alone is God. 

Father, help us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith. Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T BE SURPRISED, LIVE IN THE LIGHT!: I Thessalonians 5:4-6

If you are a parent, then, like me, I am sure you have told you children as they headed off to be with their friends, "Remember who's child you are. I don't care what everyone else is doing, you do what you know is right!" And where did we hear that? From our parents. As Christians we are to remember to whom we belong as we live our lives in this world. 

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us be not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." I Thessalonians 5:4-6

Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians about the day of the Lord and how they live their lives knowing that he could return at any time. He reminds them who they are in Christ.

First, Paul reminds us that we are not in darkness. We know Christ is coming back and we should not be surprised if he came in one minute or one year. 

Secondly, because we are children of the light we should not act like people who don't know who God is. Sometimes we think too much. The Bible is pretty clear about most things. I had someone pretty close to me tell me that the people could translate the Bible any way the wanted. I asked him, "How do you translate, "You shall not steal, you shall not commit adultery, you shall have no other gods before me"? God has spoken to us pretty clearly. We are not in the dark about what God has done for us or what he wants to do in us. We just need to live in light of that truth. 

Lastly, we need to remember to be alert and self-controlled. We need to be alert to what is "trending" in and around our lives. Not just physically and financially, but the spiritual battles that are the primary influences of our lives. Think about that. There is a spiritual battle for you and your family. The cares of this life are just bit players. We must attend to them with integrity and yet remember that life is more than what the world tells us. 

So, pay attention. Be alert and be self-controlled in Christ.

Father, help us to live like children of the light and of the day, your children. Praise be to you in us today!