Category Archives: Modeling

Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

GUARD IT WELL

1 TIMOTHY 6:20 

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—” 

Have you ever been given anything to hold for someone else? They may have even said, “Don’t let anything happen to this, please.” Well, the Greek word for “what has been entrusted” means just that. We are to protect and guard the truths we have been taught by the Lord.  

But, what does that mean? Why do we have to guard it? Listen, Satan wants us to get distracted with “worldly and empty chatter.” He can’t remove the truths we have been given, but he can sure can try to get our minds on useless stuff.  

APPLICATION 

Try this with your children. Wrap up a Bible in a box and give it to them to hold for you. Don’t tell them what it is. Tell them how precious it is to you and you are depending on them to keep it safe. After a few days, ask them if they still have it. Remind them how special this is to you. 

In about a week ask them for the package and open it. I bet they will be surprised at what was in the box. Explain to them just how precious God’s Word is to you. Read today’s verse to them and let them know this is what Paul was talking about. His truths are to be kept safe and guarded in their hearts. Only that will lead them safely through life. 

What do you hold precious? So many of us prioritize the wrong things. We put family keepsakes on the same level as God’s Word. We need to spend much more time putting His Word in our hearts and minds, so it will be safe for a lifetime. 

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your precious Word to guard and protect. I will do that while at the same time sharing it with others.

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Advice, Child Raising, Giving, Modeling, Treasures

TREASURES

1 TIMOTHY 6:19 

“storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 

Who doesn’t like treasure? What child has not played treasure hunt, right? Why do we dream of hidden treasure? We think instant wealth and riches will make us happy or solve all our problems. People have forsaken everything for the chance to find it. 

But if you look back at the previous verse in 1 Timothy 6, you find that only by giving it away do you become rich. What? That makes no sense. You see, our treasure is not of this world. Our riches are from God and go back to God. He enriches us with blessings that cannot be quantified. And when, in turn, we bless others, God continues to bless us. 

APPLICATION 

Children learn from us what is valuable. If we put all our energy into gaining wealth and making money, they will see that as the most important thing. In contrast, if they see us prioritizing our walk with Christ, they learn that is the important thing. How have you shown this to your children? If asked, what would they say daddy and mommy love most? 

You may have heard it said that you can see what a person values by looking at their calendar and their checkbook (now that is probably their online bank account). Where you spend your time and money is your treasure. Children will learn that from you.  

Can I see your calendar? How about your bank account? No? Really? I don’t need to. God sees it with every transaction and every second spent. Is He pleased with what you are modeling for your family? Are you storing up His treasures as a firm foundation for the coming age? 

O Father, You are the Giver of all good gifts. I rest in You. Help me share with others all You have given me. My treasure is eternal. 

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Encouragement, Giving, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

GIVE IT UP

1 TIMOTHY 6:18

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”

I truly love to give. It gives me joy to be able to bless someone who has a need, especially if I can do that without them knowing. The Greek word for “to be generous” gives us a great picture of what this means. It means “spontaneous, willing giving and emphasizes being ready for outreach.” It “describes someone who ‘open-handedly’ (willingly) shares.”

God can use your grudgingly given gift, but you won’t feel blessed by it. Some people give to the church as if the preacher was holding a gun on them. And some preachers guilt people into giving as if their very souls depend on it. Neither is right. We give because Christ lives in us and works through us. Give for Him, not for you or anyone else.

APPLICATION

Begin teaching your children when they are young the importance of giving. If you give them an allowance, show them what the tithe would be for that. If you don’t do allowance, do the same for money they may earn doing chores for you or the neighbors. However they get the money, teach them the concept of giving. 

I have seen so many children who have the gift of giving. They willingly give up their birthday money for missions. They give their money for a needy family. If your child comes to you and asks if they can give like that, by all means, let them. In fact, pitch in with them.

Are you a giver? “But Carl, I don’t have enough to give.” Yes, you do. Give to your ability. We are not under law. We are under grace. Give as the Lord directs you. He will bless the rest.

Thank You, Lord, for all You give to me. Help me to be more generous with Your resources. I will follow Your promptings and give how You direct me.

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Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Fighting, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

A GOOD FIGHT

1 TIMOTHY 6:12

“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 

I was always taught not to fight. In fact, I only remember getting into three fights in my life. I didn’t start any of them. They were all in self-defense. But that is not the kind of fighting Paul is talking about here.

Now, the word “fight” (used twice here – once as a verb and another time as a noun) means agonize in a struggle. That could be in a sporting event or a battle. In other words, you give it your all. You give 110%. You don’t quit until it’s over.

APPLICATION

So, this verse is not about teaching your children to fight or not to fight. This verse is about not quitting. This verse is about teaching our children to hold to their faith, no matter what. This verse is about teaching our children to remain loyal and true to the Lord. He will see them through whatever they face.

Teaching our children not to quit is hard sometimes. They will face challenges that test them physically and emotionally. We must prepare them to see all of these through. Even though they want to quit and run away, we must hold them accountable. We can’t let them give up. 

Are you quick to give up? When the going gets tough, do you call it quits? Stop that. See it through. Let your children watch you struggle. That’s okay. Life is not easy, but we know He is faithful to the end. Your children need to see you trust Him. Won’t you do that today?

I will hold to You, Lord. I will see the trials You send my way all the way to the end. In fact, there is nothing that will keep me from You. 

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Direction, Disciplemaking, Faith, Gentleness, Godliness, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Perseverance, Righteousness

CHASE THIS!

1 TIMOTHY 6:11

“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

You need to read verses 3 though 11 of this chapter in 1 Timothy to remind yourself what Paul is telling Timothy to flee. That word “flee” means to escape or to run away. In other words, run as hard as you can away from this stuff. In contrast, Paul tells Timothy to chase as hard as he can “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

You see, running is okay as long as you are running from or running towards the right thing. Of course, we know if you pursue the Lord will all your heart, you will find “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” How? Because He is all those things.

APPLICATION

Do you want to teach your children to chase after the right stuff? Of course, you do. Why not show them what to chase yourself? If you are seeking righteousness, they will see it in you. If you are striving to be godly in your behaviors, they will imitate you. If your faith is tested and you rely on the Lord, your children will remember that.

Are you getting the picture here? These pursuits are best taught to your children by you modeling these to them. These are not things you can tell them to do and then not do yourself. In fact, words are not even necessary. Just pursue them yourself time after time. They will see it and learn. When they ask you why you are doing what you are doing, then you have the perfect opportunity to tell them.

What are you running from and towards? Make sure you are chasing after God. Only He can provide “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” There is no other source. Do you want to be more Christlike? Then run!

I want to be seen as righteous, godly, faithful, loving, persevering and gentle. I know all these are in You, Lord. Help me pursue them with all my strength.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Contentment, Death, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Grace, Heaven, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Testimony

EMPTY HANDED

1 TIMOTHY 6:7

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” 

Come on! Think about it. When you are born what do you bring with you? Nothing! Nada! Zero! And when you die, you leave this earth with…the same! So, let me ask you a question. Why do we spend so much time accumulating stuff? Now, don’t get me wrong. I like stuff as much as the next guy. But does the process of getting it ruin it for you?

I recently discovered that one of my ancestors was Charlemagne, a king in the 1stCentury who ruled over the Franks, Lombards and Romans. He was buried in 814 seated on his throne with his crown on his head and scepter in his hand. It seems even in death, he was determined to rule and hold on to what he had. But he couldn’t. No one can.

APPLICATION

This is kind of a morbid topic for kids, huh? Well, I don’t mean it to be. What I am trying to say in this devotional is stuff doesn’t matter. Whatever we manage to get here on earth will be left for someone else. Do this! Take your child to their room and ask them to pick out their five most important possessions. Put them in a box and tell them you want to see how long they can “live” without them.

After the crying stops (just kidding) talk about those five things. What were they? Why were they important? Who gave it to them? Read them today’s verse and let the words sink in. Those five favorite things can’t go to heaven with them. When they are older, they will have five different favorite things. They can’t go either. Instead help them focus on what can go with them – their love for Christ, the Word of God they have memorized and the peace in their hearts that God is real and loves them. Those are true possessions.

What are you holding on to with a death grip? Would you willingly lay it down if the Lord asked you to? If not, you’ve got a problem. Parents, you can invest in your children’s lives and lead them to a saving knowledge of Christ. You may be gone long before they are, but one day they will be with you in eternity. Now, that’s something to hold on to.

O God, I long to see Your face. There is nothing on this earth that I would hold on to that could keep me from coming to You. You have blessed me, and I only want to You.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Encouragement, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Scripture, Thanksgiving

THE ANTI WEIGHT WATCHERS’ VERSE

1 TIMOTHY 6:6

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” 

That title is not mine. I borrowed it from a friend. But I thought it kind of funny. Seriously though, look at the verse. Paul is saying to Timothy that godliness is a means of great gain WHEN it is accompanied by contentment. Oh, that’s the key – contentment.

What is contentment? Well, the Greek word here is only used twice – here and in 2 Corinthians 9:8. It means to be self-sufficient, having all you need THROUGH the indwelling power of Christ. You can have true peace and contentment only through Jesus. When you are content, you are able to live a more godly life, thus leading to great gain spiritually. Incidentally, the Greek word for gain is only used twice also – both times right here in 1 Timothy 6:5 and 6.

APPLICATION

How do you teach your children to be content? Stop giving them everything they want! “But Carl, I am trying to make them content by doing that.” Well, how’s that working for you? The more a person has the more they want. We live in a fifteen second world. We are used to everything happening fast. We are not satisfied with a slow pace. We are not willing to “settle” for anything.

This lack on contentment only breeds more discontent. Help your children thank the Lord today for what they have. Start with the basics of a bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. How about thanking Him for the food each meal. I know this sounds simplistic, but we seem to overlook the small stuff. Your children will never be satisfied and content until they appreciate the small things.

Are you content? Do you struggle with your walk with Christ because you aren’t content? Take a moment and make a list of your blessings. Keep the list handy and add to it each day as another blessing pops up. Pray through that list or at least mention a couple of them each time you pray. As you do this, I promise you will be drawn closer to the Lord, which will lead you to godliness.

I am so thankful for all You given me. I am truly a blessed man. I thank You for the little things I often overlook like clean clothes to wear and shoes to put on my feet. Help me spread my contentment to others.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Fighting, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

NOW YOU’VE GONE TO MEDDLING

1 TIMOTHY 6:5

“and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”

People who meddle in your business are quite annoying and aggravating, aren’t they? Paul knew that. It seemed from the moment of his conversion, others were constantly meddling in Paul’s business. He couldn’t go anywhere without some of these meddlers showing up. They would argue against anything Paul said and try to stir up trouble. Paul is warning Timothy of this. Of course, Timothy had witnessed first-hand some of this.

The Greek word for “constant friction” is only used right here in this verse. It means to constantly argue or to meddle. It’s that person who is always looking for a fight. They love to keep things stirred up. They can’t stand the calm and peace. No way!

APPLICATION

Do your kids like peace and quiet? Count your blessings. I am not sure if you can teach that. But YOU can provide the atmosphere for it. If you are one of those parents who constantly berates people, your children will have no clue how to be peaceful. They are watching you. Many times the way you behave determines how your children will behave.

Walking away from a fight or argument is smart. Teach your children to get up and get out of any room where people just want to argue and fuss. If they stay there, soon they will be joining. Teach them how to not be contentious. And when you see them making the right choice, praise them for it.

Do you stir up stuff? Are you a constant source of irritation to someone? Confess that and then pass that on to others. Be willing to make sacrifices for the other person. Will you confess? Will you?  He desires unity and will provide it, if you ask.

Father, we are grateful for giving me something to lubricate my spirit. Give me the ability to be the calming force for others.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Conceit, Disciplemaking, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

BLOWING SMOKE

1 TIMOTHY 6:4

“he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,” 

I have known a few people in my lifetime that were truly “smoke blowers.” They had the tendency to brag and throw up this great smokescreen around who they really were. The Greek word for “conceited” literally means to be puffed up, to blow smoke, to have “moral blindness resulting from poor judgment which brings further loss of spiritual perception.” Wow! That’s not good.

And the interesting thing to me is that word is only used three times in the Bible. All three times Paul uses it to write to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:6; 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4). It almost appears he had someone in mind whom Timothy was dealing with there in Ephesus. Remember, Paul spent a good bit of time there. He knew the people.

APPLICATION

Do me a favor. Don’t let your kids get conceited. There is nothing wrong with having pride, as long as it does not become prideful. Do you understand that? We should take pride in our appearance, to look respectable. We should take pride in our community by picking up trash and keeping our streets clean. We should have pride in our schools we attend and churches where we worship. But when that pride takes over, we have troubles.

Pride should never seek to make you look better than others. Pride should never put others down. Pride should never cause you to do things that are unholy. Pride can be your downfall as quickly as apathy and despair. Teach your kids to be proud, but guard against conceit and “smoke blowing.”

Have you ever known a “smoke blower”? Are you one? Follow the example of Jesus. He was a proud follower of His Father, but He never came across as conceited or puffed up. He was humble and meek, but with great strength. He is the one to emulate. He is the one to use as your model.

I am so proud to be called Your child. Help me continue to bear Your image. Let others only see You in me.

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Advice, Bible, Bosses, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Family, Fatherhood, Friends, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

DON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE

1 TIMOTHY 6:2

“Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

This verse can be a little confusing. Let me try to break it down for you very simply. Paul is telling us that we should not disrespect our bosses by taking advantage of the fact they are believers. For instance, we shouldn’t use our common faith as an excuse to get special privileges. We shouldn’t show any less respect for them since we are “equals” in the eyes of the Lord.

You’ve seen people do that, I’m sure. I’ve even had people try to do that to me. It’s hard to keep that line between Christian brother and boss, especially if you are serving in full-time ministry. But God designed these roles for a reason. Being buddies with your boss may sound great, but it can lead to problems when he/she has to correct you.

APPLICATION

This is no more applicable than in our relationships with our children. We want to be close to our kids. We want them to consider us their friend and confidant. But we should never be their buddy. When we blur the lines between parent and friend, we open ourselves up to disrespect and misunderstandings. 

I’ve seen it too many times. Parents tell me they are best friends with their child. Your best friend should be our spouse, not your son or daughter. God designed the family to have roles. As parent, you are the authority over your child. Then you become an advocate and guide as they get older. But you are never designed to be their best friend. You can be a better friend by being a better parent.

You may disagree with me on this one. But the fact remains the same. We have God’s Word to guide us in all our relationships. So, don’t treat your boss like a buddy. That is disrespect. And don’t rely on your child for friendship. We are actually more than friends. We are family. That never ends.

I want to thank You, Lord, for allowing me to have close relationships with my parents. I also thank You for the friendships I have had in the workplace. Help me keep those relationships where they should be so we can follow Your guidelines.

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