Run Hard After God

Paul wrote to Timothy, admonishing him to flee and pursue. He was to flee evil and pursue good. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). He was to flee youthful temptations of the flesh and to flee false doctrine. Paul encouraged Timothy to adopt flight as a spiritual strategy. He laid out goals to run hard after: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (1 Timothy 2:22).

Timothy is to flee "controversies and quarrels about words" lest he be sucked into useless arguments that are a waste of time. He was also to flee those who were promoting what is today called "the prosperity gospel," which saw the gospel as a way to make money. If we desire to be men and women of God, there are times we must run from evil and run in the other direction. Prosperity gospel is not new. It was around in Jeremiah’s day. It is a gospel that tells people what they like to hear not what God intends for them to hear. Prophets had prophesied in God’s name but not what God wanted them to say. They spoke what people wanted to hear. Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord.  “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:28-29). The true Word of God cannot be compared to a counterfeit.

Paul laid out six pursuits in three pairs: righteousness and godliness, faith and love and finally endurance and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). Timothy is to pursue righteousness" and godliness. Righteousness refers to his relationship with God and godliness his relationship with people. Timothy must be honest with those with whom he deals. Vertically, he must pursue a godly life that comes from God alone.

Timothy was to pursue faith and love. Here, the emphasis is on faithfulness and love for others. Timothy is to be faithful and to remain faithful to the Lord, to his ministry, and to the people in his life. If he is not motivated by love, all will count for nothing. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that if he could speak like an angel, perform miracles, and even sacrifice his body, but did not have love, it would all count for nothing.

Timothy was to pursue endurance and gentleness.  These are especially important qualities. Endurance is a "won't quit" determination in the face of opposition. Gentleness is the quality of tender, patient self-control in dealing with people amidst the difficulties of ministry. Jesus had both endurance and gentleness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).