Lord, Your awesomeness touches and transforms; make Your touch do that for this reader in whatever she or he faces; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text from 1 Timothy 6: 6 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. 7 Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, 8 if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough. 9 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. 10 Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. 11 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life - a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. 12 Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. 13 I'm charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn't give an inch: 14 Keep this command to the letter, and don't slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. 15 He'll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. 16 He's the only one death can't touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He's never been seen by human eyes - human eyes can't take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes. 17 Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - 18 to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. 19 If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life. (The Message)
This is a page that is thousands of years old, yet it reads as fresh today as it did then. People have always desired money and wealth and the thought behind such a desire is that with it comes happiness. Paul knew the opposite to be true and he knew the truth of real wealth. For Paul, as well as for me and you, to seek and reach a righteous life, and read again the things that come with it, "wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy," speak of true wonderful blessings. That first word has always described me. God gave me a sense of wonder that at times makes me stop or pull over and just gaze and marvel at the things of God. The landing of a duck onto water, the playfulness of a dolphin, the straight line of ants carrying food home. I belive this list is in the right order, a sense of wonder will lead to a finding of faith. And behind true faith can be found the meaning of true love. And if you love others the way God wants, you will be courteous. It is after all, not about us, but others and about God.
Slow down today and let wonder take you to those places where your faith will deepen. Let your faith take you down the path of love. And as you love, be concerned and open towards others. And you will see God.
PRAYER: Loving God of wonder, take me down those paths today so that I may see You present and powerful in my life and inthe life of thers. Make it truly be all about You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
