08/15/10
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Today’s reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

There are so many verses littered throughout the Bible in which I can insert my name and gain a huge amount of strength and encouragement, instruction and direction. There are the ones that spur me on to such an extent that I keep them written out on index cards and in full view of my work area and those which I have committed to memory for my heart’s sake.

But today? Today I’ve found a verse that I cannot claim, won’t humor anyone in saying is ’about’ me or honestly be able to stake a personal claim to. Read it for yourself to see if you can take a personal affinity towards…

“We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:10 NLT

Can you claim that verse as your own? Let’s review it…

Hard working towards the cause of Christ? Do you spend a fair amount of time evangelizing? Are you consistently outside your box, reaching beyond your sphere of influence, striving to reach others for Christ?

Suffered for the Gospel? Ever been beaten? Had your Bible taken away? Beaten? Spent much time in an uncomfortable place because of your desire to see folks come to the Lord?

No? Well, me either. I’ve sadly taken a ’take it or leave it’ attitude with what little Christ I share with the world. I hate to admit it, but unless they, the unknowing, unrepentive, unsaved of the world, come to me they won’t be bothered with my presence.
I tell you, this verse convicts me. Convicts me of what little I’ve done. What little I’ve shared. What little I’ve spoken of. What little I’ve put forth the effort to do for my Savior and the dying world He’s placed me here to reach.

Maybe I should put this verse on a recipe card and post it in prominent areas around my home and work, just as a reminder. And you? What about you?