April 23: 1 Timothy 1 1-2

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 1 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope

Devotion:
I have missed out the second letter to the Thessalonians because the introduction is the same as the previous letter, but Paul’s letter to Timothy introduces something which I was challenged with yesterday. We have a men’s group who meet up (now online) to discuss things and look into the bible through the eyes of various authors or leaders. Yesterday we were challenged to draw a line in our lives and to step over that line knowing that we are stepping into God’s command – His will in our lives.

You may think there is nothing too challenging about doing that, but reading this verse today brought it home again. Are we really willing to give our lives over to God’s control? Are we really willing to say we will do whatever God asks of us? Don’t forget this is all about what you are willing to give up in your life! When Jesus called the disciples, they left their livelihoods behind and followed Jesus – no longer were they going to be able to turn back to their former professions and ‘be safe’!

When Paul lists himself as an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the command of God our Saviour, it is not a light suggestion or comment. Paul turned over his life to do what God wanted him to do. If you are like me you will come up with all manner of excuses to say how important your work is because that is where you get your money to survive etc. etc. But the challenge was still there – were we willing to take a step forward and allow God to be in control…

In the army, navy or air force, we learn to say yes to the commander and obey without question. So what about trying that with God? Then the panic sets in! But, unless we are willing to submit to God and obey we will never know the life God has for us to live. He is probably not going to ask you to give up your job and live like the disciples did. He may well be simply calling you to change your life-style so people will recognise you as a Christian and be encouraged by it. I really do hope I am listening to God as much as He is talking to me!

Points to Ponder:
Do you obey the people in charge at work?

Will you obey the One who is in charge at home?