by Pastor Rich Carlson

Paul’s final letter contains a lot of advice for Timothy as Timothy tries to lead the church where he is working. Most of this advice is in the "negative" form, so I decided to express Paul’s advice in the “positive.” And I concluded that this might be the wisdom that would present me “approved” to God, as today’s text says. So here goes, my things to do and the people to hang around as I live my life for God, taken from chapters two and three of 2 Timothy:

• Speak supportive words to each other, not quarrelsome words
• Speak godly words, not godless chatter
• Pursue godly desires like righteousness, faith, love, peace, and a pure heart
• Be kind to everyone
• Be appreciative, not resentful
• Gently instruct and teach
• Love others, not just myself
• Use my resources to bless others, not hoarding them for myself
• Be humble, not boastful or proud
• Be an upholder of the weak, not abusive
• Be obedient to parents
• Be grateful
• Be holy
• Be full of love
• Be forgiving
• Speak only honest and truthful words
• Be self-controlled
• Be supportive and helpful, not brutal
• Be a lover of only what is good
• Be thoughtful, not treacherous or rash
• Be focused on others, not conceited
• Be lovers of God more than anything
• Possess godliness and demonstrate its power
• Keep learning and acknowledging the truth
• Have a clear teaching, purpose and way of life

I have more and more difficulty believing that God is not crystal clear in explaining—in detail—what He wants from me as I live for Him, awaiting His return. I hope you, too, see the clarity of God’s word.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.