1 Timothy 6:11–16

1 Timothy 6:11–16
But you, man of God, run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, I give you a command. Christ Jesus made the good confession when he stood before Pontius Pilate. Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make that happen at the right time. He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. He is the only One who never dies. He lives in light so bright no one can go near it. No one has ever seen God, or can see him. May honour and power belong to God forever. Amen.

Notes
You were called to have life! In other words Paul says here 'remember who God is, and get on with it'. We sometimes make faith much too complicated. This reading reminds us faith is pretty simple. So a question or two ...

Do you 'live the right way'? Are there things you know you are doing wrong? Things that displease God, or things that you are shamed of? Don't put off dealing with those things. If you don't feel you can face them alone find a mature Christian who can help you through.

The end of this reading is a reminder of how great God is. He is The King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. The amazing thing is that this is the God who wants to help us change for the better. Not because he is a mean judge waiting to catch us out and punish us, but because he is a loving parent who longs for the best for you and for me. The maker of the universe, whose 'light is so bright no one can go near it' calls you by name and says come walk with me and I will love you change you. What an invitation!

Prayer
Lord, King of the universe, creator of everything, thank you that I have a place in your heart. Thank you that I matter to you and that you care for me. Help me remember today, through the good and the bad, that I am loved beyond measure by you. Amen