Word For The Day: Do I go or stay?

Forging ahead or remaining where you are. Both are essential Christian assignments.

Paul begins his letter to Timothy with these words of instruction:
“As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine (1 Ti 1:3).”

Paul was on the way out of town toward the next exciting opportunity, and Timothy was to remain where he was and continue to be faithful to the truth.

As Christians, we face similar decisions every single day. Do we move ahead, or do we stay the course where we are? Regardless of how God leads, whether to take the next step or to remain as we are, the mission is the same – be faithful to the truth.

Our Christian duty is obedience to God in line with the truth, here called God’s doctrine. Every decision we make should be in line with the Scriptures and motivated by our desire to obey Scriptures regardless of the cost.

Timothy stayed in Ephesus and faced severe trials from within – false doctrines and false teachers (Acts 20:30), and persecution from the godless Ephesian political system (2 Tim. 1:8). Paul traveled to Macedonia, and it was likely on this trip that he was arrested and taken to Rome.

As we read Paul’s letters to Timothy, Timothy had become uncertain, weak, and contemplated quitting (2 Tim. 2:1-8). Paul had left for Macedonia, and Timothy was thinking of going too. The trials were too great. His abilities seemed inadequate for the task, and it appeared that the “grass was greener on the other side of the fence.”

Maybe you are facing similar challenges? You, like Timothy, are feeling weak and discouraged. Do you feel like running to escape your situation?

Christian, are you willing to stay, when it may seem easier to go? Are you ready to obediently go when it seems easier to stay? Will you obey Christ and go or stay with a dedicated focus to the ministry of the truth?

Today, my prayer is that you will know God’s will and rededicate to the ministry He has given you.

Have a great Thursday! This evening is our Connection Group Bible Study from 18:00-19:00 at the worship centre. If you can make it, you will be blessed!

Pastor Phil