Lessons in 1 Timothy 6 remind us to pursue Christian values

Published: September 22, 2016

By Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Blessed Sacrament Church, Jonesboro

The reading for Sunday, Sept. 25 found in 1 Timothy 6 got me thinking, verses 11-12 especially. Some biblical translations use “pursue” or “avoid all this” but another uses “run away from all those things” when speaking of what one is to do or how we are to live. Are you curious what we are asked to pursue and avoid in our Christian lives?

First, we need to look at 1 Timothy 6:3-5 to know what to avoid. The Little Rock Catholic Study Bible states the following for those verses:

“Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth.”

So, do we want any of the above permeating our lives or seeping out into our everyday way of dealing with people around us? These are the things we are to run away from. People who exhibit these behaviors are toxic and their ways can creep into our lives and hinder our relationships with others and God.

Now, for what we are to pursue we investigate 1 Timothy 6:11-12 as stated in the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible:

“Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called.”

These six characteristics or virtues describe what need to be present in a Christian leader. But don’t think we are “off the hook” — we too as Christians, whether you consider yourself a leader or not, are to incorporate these virtues into our lives. They will help us have a more spiritually balanced lifestyle. By incorporating them into one’s life, one’s walk with God and others will be blessed.

There is no magic pill one can swallow and “poof!” instantly exhibit these virtues of moral excellence. It takes work. Being consciously aware of what is right by God’s standard or values. Having devotion or godliness, that kind of awe or fear of God is needed. Faith is about learning to trust God.

While love is learning to model how Jesus treated others while here and how God still does love us. Remember, people are made in his image. He breathed life into all of us. Being patient, enduring without complaining, calmly tolerating delays or calmly persevering are characteristics and an attitude called for in our spiritual lives and everyday lives. Exhibiting gentleness, being kind, not harsh or rough is also a needed attitude. It can also be used to encourage repentance.

Verse 12 says, “Compete well for the faith.” It did not say, “Compete well so I can get whatever I want.” Our focus is to be God, his excellent ways, our calling to draw nearer and nearer to him and bring others along with us.

We are not alone in our pursuit of these challenging virtues. The Holy Spirit is actively with us for the duration. Will we choose to tap into that power and grace? It is good to remember that we have options, that we can change and grow, that God offers us an “instead.” Instead, pursue the faith with zeal and compete well, grab with both hands the life to which we were called by God.

Betsy Wiederkehr Huss has a master’s degree in theology and has been involved in ministry to all ages for 35 years. This article was originally published in Arkansas Catholic Sept 24, 2016. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock. All rights reserved. This article may be copied or redistributed with acknowledgement and permission of the publisher.