Pursuing Things of Promise

"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." -1 Timothy 4:7–8 

We have temptation after temptation trying to lure us into silliness. From comments on social media to people claiming new perspectives on age-old wisdom, there is much we could invest time in; but the Apostle is telling his disciples, and us, to focus on godliness instead. 

Because we have been redeemed by Christ, given life, we are invited into this newness of life marked by holiness and pursuit of things above, something that holds promise for life now and for eternity. 

You are not left alone in this either. You are empowered by the Spirit toward godliness, and strengthened as you run after Jesus. 

Today, you have options. Don't go down the path of irreverent and silly myths. Stick with Jesus, the godliness he has called you to, and the power he gives you for it. Keep pursuing things of promise.

Promised to be Complete

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." -1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 

This is both a prayer from the Apostle for the church, and a declaration of God's promise to those who are believers in Jesus. God will sanctify, change, and make you more like Jesus completely. Even when we are called and empowered to pursue holiness, we can rejoice that the Lord is using all of it to sanctify us because it is his faithfulness that matters. 

In Jesus, because of his sacrifice on the cross for you, you are kept blameless and will stand before the throne of heaven justified. As we wait for that day, he is working in us transformation — we are becoming more Christ-like, and the end point is completion, the perfection we were meant for in the beginning. 

Today, we might not notice much of the change, but we can trust in the faithfulness of God. He will do it. Rest and rejoice in that truth.