But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:11-16

~~~~~

Taking Hold of Eternal Life
By Jennifer Kane

To take hold of eternal life,
you must first flee
what entangles and corrodes—
the rusting coins,
the crumbling thrones,
the fleeting applause of the world.

It is not a chase,
but a pursuit—
of righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
A turning from shadows cast
by temporary things,
toward the unapproachable light
of the King of kings,
who alone is immortal.

It’s hearing His voice call your name
and answering,
“Yes, Lord, here I am.”
It’s laying down the weight
of your own striving,
the heavy yoke of self-made worth,
and taking up His cross instead,
where the burden is light,
and the path is sure.

To take hold of eternal life
is to fight the good fight of faith,
to treasure His Word—
sharp as a sword,
gentle as a balm.
It’s trusting the unseen,
walking not by sight
but by the promise of a kingdom
where the streets are gold
and tears are no more.

To take hold of eternal life
is to love without fear,
to serve without pride,
to kneel before the Blessed One
who gives it freely,
yet calls you to give all.

It is not grasped by power,
but received in humility,
with hands and heart open wide
to the grace that flows
from His pierced side.

Until the day He appears,
keep this charge
without spot or blame,
and to Him be honor and might forever.
Amen.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

In this passage, Paul charges Timothy—and all who are “men and women of God”—to live a life radically different from those consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and fleeting pleasures. Paul urges us to flee from the temptations of pride and riches and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

This pursuit, however, is not passive. It’s described as a “fight”—the good fight of faith. It is a fight against the current of this world, against our natural inclinations, and against the lies that tell us we can find lasting joy in the temporary.

Taking hold of eternal life requires both a choice and a cost. It demands that we loosen our grip on what fades—possessions, accolades, and even our own pride—and instead cling to the eternal promises of God.

The fight is not fought in our own strength but in the strength of the One who has already conquered. Jesus, who made the ultimate confession before Pilate, remained steadfast in the face of suffering. He didn’t defend Himself, boast in His power, or seek to save His earthly life. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the will of the Father and paved the way for us to do the same.

Identify one thing you need to “flee” from—whether it’s materialism, pride, or anxiety—and replace it with a pursuit of godliness. What step will you take today to pursue righteousness or love?

Recognize the fight for your faith in your daily life. Are you being distracted by the temporary? Commit to spending time in God’s Word and prayer this week, anchoring yourself in the eternal.

Use your resources—your time, talents, and treasures—to serve others. How can you share God’s love with humility and generosity today?

Take heart in the fight, for the battle is not yours alone. God, who “gives life to all things,” is with you. The same Jesus who stood before Pilate now stands as the King of kings and Lord of lords, victorious and eternal.

If you want something you will have to fight for it. Jesus wants you! The good news is this: the victory is already won in Christ. Our fight is not to earn salvation but to cling to it, to treasure it, and to live as though it is our greatest possession.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to fight the good fight of faith. Help me to loosen my grip on what fades and hold fast to You, the giver of eternal life. Strengthen me to flee from temptation, pursue righteousness, and live humbly in Your light. May I always remember that my victory is found in You alone. In your heavenly name I pray, God. Amen.

December 7 2024