1 Timothy 1:6 Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. 7 They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence. 8 It's true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say. 9 It's obvious, isn't it, that the law code isn't primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, 10 sex, truth, whatever! 11 They are contemptuous of this great Message I've been put in charge of by this great God. (The Message)
The opposite of a life open to God is a life open to anything. While that in and of itself is not bad, a life not open to God is not anchored in truth. Paul continues to teach Timothy of the great task that he shares with Paul and to honestly prepare Tim for the challenges ahead. I just heard on a sports show about the growing violence in stadiums across the country and one of the reasons given in the report was that people need to belong and since many are no longer going to church, they tend to find belonging and meaning in sports teams and will go to any lengths to show their loyalty and support to that team. Paul writes "that moral guidance and counsel need to be given," and delivery, that is, the way we share that, has an importance that matches even the message. The Law, Paul argues, is there for those who are living irresponsibly, who think nothing of defying authority or even "riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever!" They have turned their back to the Good News and even try to go against it with contempt.
What would you do if you were Timothy? Many might say, "I'd run!" And by running, I mean, running away. But, there are still those being called by Almighty God to run towards those who are living irresponsibly, to show them with love and compassion, the better way of life. Ours is still a faith based on the promise made by Jesus, that He came to bring us life, and that in abundance. (John 10:10). Nothing the world offers, in any shape or form, can match or equal that abundant life that comes to us through Jesus Christ. We know that, and why do we keep it hidden or as a secret? Jesus said that even the rocks would cry out if we don't. We could be hollering that from the rooftops, but instead, we try to match our lives to those lives who do not know abundant life. We know the better way and we should live and share the better way.
PRAYER: Loving God, it is frightening to know that so many do not want anything to do with the Good News of Jesus Christ or so they claim. It is up to us to bring a new understanding to those people through our lives, for many are not receiving moral guidance and counsel to live a better life. Grant me strength and wisdom to live such a life. I pray in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
