Heralds Digest

"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work". (2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV) Manipulation of human being against the counsel of God remains the special craft of the enemy. Truly, the devil specializes in hijacking the purpose of the Master, where man is disfigured from being the image of His Creator. Following Apostle Paul's admonition to Timothy, it is the responsibility of the redeemed of the Lord to daily cleanse self from the enemy's discoloration enterprise. A honoured vessel would not bluff the responsibility to live life only for the glory of Lord.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus". (2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) There is a deposit of grace on a believer, arising from his encounter with and ascension into the presence of God. This deposit naturally depletes with subsequent and undeniable encounters with the affairs of life. Therefore, a sustaining grace cannot rely on the deposited grace, but on the grace that is dependent on consistent connection and continuous supply from the throne of grace. Even when our souls are invaded by the tangles of life, our spirits can refuse to be entangled but inspired by a growing grace.

"That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us". (2 Timothy 1:14 NKJV) Until one is subjected to an intense and highly provocative environment, the true nature of the inner chemistry of goodness behind every human gesture remains under discovery. Responses to provocation is naturally unpleasant unless a divine Container, in the person of the Holy Spirit, is enabled. Without a personal consideration of the action and inaction of others, many will be consistent with their to call to love and faith. We are all made as embodiments of goodies, possibly turned grinchy in the absence of the grace of God.

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day". (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV) Jesus Christ suffered and died to pay the price for the sin of the world, thereby bringing those who believe in this sacrifice to life from death. Therefore, the shame of Christ's suffering and death is swallowed by the sound of His resurrection. Like Apostle Paul, all who believe in Christ are encouraged not to be ashamed to suffer for the cause of the gospel. Obviously, it is shameful to be deprived of one's right to dignity and respect, especially for righteousness' sake; but no one can prevent the glory of the righteous' crown at the Saviour's feet. Willingness to suffer shame without being ashamed is a sweet-smelling sacrifice.

"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness". (1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV) Fleeing from the love of money and the pursuit of righteousness represents a singular dream with two groups of incompatible and exclusive elements of life. The group that comprises greed, strife, reviling and evil suspicions is clearly anathema to the heart that pursue godliness, righteousness, love, faith, patience, and gentleness. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that Timothy's pursuit does not have to be driven by the possession of the material things. Rather, his possession of God (i.e., being man of God) drives the purpose for living. Pure pursuit simply searches for God and his righteousness, which makes the singular essence of life.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain". (1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV) Competition for gain in physical, material and financial position naturally whip up resentment among competitors. However, God's grace enables the exchange of resentment with contentment in every relationship, if allowed. Nevertheless, God's plan for every man's promotion in life is irrevocable, if godliness is pursued with contentment. The way to promotion may be choked with thorns, but steadfastness to the end is rewarded with crowns. Therefore, if we cannot prune our ways of thorns without greed or pulling down of others' desire for promotion, allowing those thorns may likely be the best of all decorations on our crown. Godly gain is great - it possesses great satisfaction in God's promises for promotion.

"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5:19 NKJV) Experiences with the challenges in all affairs of life, including family, job, business, etc, can only make anyone who is not marred by his previous engagements. Therefore, an elder's judgment is fairly sacred to anyone who care to learn from past experiences. As a young minister with dynamic faith in the word of God, Timothy was warned to be wary of accusation levelled against elders, without verifiable evidence. Elder's honour admits the fact that whatever it takes to survive the wickedness within the system of the world in the past is likely to sustain life against future challenges. Ultimately, elder's experience advantage cannot be bought with the wealth of a novice's sophistication.