Category Archives: Righteousness

Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Mentoring, Parenting, Righteousness, Scripture, Thoughts

MY THOUGHTLIFE

2 TIMOTHY 1:3 

“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,”  

What is your conscience? Well, the Greek word comes from two Greek words – syn (with) and eido (to know). It literally means “joint-knowing.” It’s the joining together of the moral and spiritual knowledge that only comes from God. We are all born with the ability to know right from wrong.  

Paul is reminding Timothy and himself that his thoughts are always on the Lord. His service to his God is with a sincere devotion, just as his forefathers. But wait a minute. How can Paul say that? His forefathers weren’t Christians. Of course, not. Christ had not come yet. They served Jehovah with sincere hearts according to the Law. Paul had moved beyond that now with his acceptance of Christ. 

APPLICATION 

Our children are born with the knowledge of right and wrong. We, as parents, must instill in them which path to take. And we do that by how and when we correct them. If we allow them to get away with the wrong path, they will choose it because it is usually the path of least resistance. However, if we want them to grow up as lovers of Christ, we must hold them accountable and lead them in the right path. 

Just as Paul’s faith grew from law to grace, our children’s faith will grow also. We must teach them grace because we do not want them obeying out of fear of doing the wrong things. Their walk with Christ, just like ours, is not about following a set of rules. It’s about having their minds always set on Him, so we can also serve with a clear conscience. 

How’s your conscience today? Is it fighting a battle between right and wrong? Are you struggling with choosing right because it may cause you to give up something? Don’t even go there. Don’t hesitate to follow the Lord in doing what’s right. I promise you it will be the right choice in the long run. 

O Lord my God, help me keep my conscience clean. Saturate me in Your Word so that I can hear directly from You each day. I want to walk in righteousness. 

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Confession, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Purity, Righteousness, Scripture

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

1 TIMOTHY 6:14

“that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 

Do you ever wonder about how words or expressions come about? I do. I guess I am just curious that way. Today’s title for the devotional is “Clean as a whistle.” What does that really mean? There are several theories, but the one I like is it comes from the appearance of a whittled piece of wood, probably willow, after it is made into a whistle. A smooth, spotless surface was left.

Well, the word in our verse today for “without stain” means just that – spotless, clean as a whistle. Paul is adjuring Timothy that we need to live that way. We should remain unstained by the world, as James says. It is so easy to get the world on you. It can leave some hard to remove spots. But if we are living for Christ and following His commandments, we are less likely to get “dirty.”

APPLICATION

I bet your children have gotten clothes stained before. Am I right? My mama used to get so upset when I came home with grass-stained pants. But what is a boy supposed to do when he slides into home plate? You can’t exactly ask the catcher to let you walk in so you won’t get your pants dirty. Sometimes stains are inevitable.

However, we need to teach our children to avoid those staining agents when possible. We know how the world wants to dirty us up. We have the responsibility to point out those things to our children. They have to live in the world, but they don’t have to wallow in its filth. It is comforting to know that Jesus’ blood cleanses us completely. But it is also important to remember that some stains are the consequence of disobedience and can remain for a lifetime.

Are you tired of removing stains in your life? Then start following Jesus’ commandments more closely. He will lead you in the path of righteousness. He also may lead you into a very dirty area in order to reach others. Those stains are not held against you and are easily removed. It’s your choice – dirty or clean?

I am so thankful that I don’t need bleach to cleanse my soul. I am so glad that Jesus’s blood washes me white as snow. Help me walk in such a way that only stains You allow touch me.

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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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