Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12

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Timothy is a great book about leadership.  Paul is teaching a young church leader how to lead.  In today’s passage we see Paul talking about money and rich people.

Let’s start at the top.  Paul talks about believers.  If you are in charge of someone who is a believer, you should treat them with respect.  No matter what kind of business you are in dignity is something of value to everyone who works for you.

Paul jumps to false teachers.  They were stirring up controversies and quarrels.  They were teaching only to gain profits and manipulate people.

This is why Paul is talking so much about money.  This group of people were using their religion as an opportunity to rip people off. Paul does not say that we should not gain money, but it should be in the proper perspective.  He shares, “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (vs. 7)

I am sure you have heard the statement: “Money is the root of all evil.”  If you have read the Bible, you know that verse actually says “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (vs. 10)  Money is not evil and it does not cause all evil.

Money is simply a tool that can be used for good or for bad.  Paul tells us to be content and not to fall into the temptation to seek after riches.  We are to seek after God and by doing His will we may attain riches, but our goal is not riches.

Paul tells Timothy to flee from all of this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  These are the characteristics he needs to develop as a leader to overcome those who are stirring up controversies.

If you have controversies or quarrels going on in your business, post verse 11 near your desk.  Let those words build in you a character that will overcome controversies because you are seeking God and His righteousness.

Paul tells Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.”  Too often, when struggles come, we don’t realize the battle is one of faith.  We must decide to do the right thing no matter what.  We must take the high road and keep our eye set on the high calling that Christ has put on our lives.

Don’t get me wrong.  Battles are tough and you will have scars.  But you serve a savior who has scars that heal and bring victory.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12

 

Battles are tough and you will have scars. But you serve a Savior who has scars that heal and bring victory. -Rev. Lyle. Click To Tweet