Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:22
In yesterday’s devotion, God taught us that we must get rid of the things in our lives that dishonor Him. Today, in 2 Timothy 2:22, through Paul, God tells us what to run from and what to run toward. God first tells us to run away from anything that stimulates our youthful lusts, our fleshly desires. We all know our greatest weaknesses, so it’s evident to each of us what we need to run away from each day. We just have to make the choice to run away from these things and not give them any room in our lives. God is so awesome, though, that He also tells us then what we need to run after. God wants us to pursue righteousness. To pursue righteousness means we guard our tongues against anger, evil, gossip, back-talk, disrespect. We also do all things without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14). God tells us to pursue faith. This means we must cling to God and His Word so we’re able to put out the fiery arrows our Enemy fires at us each day (Ephesians 6:16, 1 John 5:4). We’re also to pursue love, which means we choose to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We also choose to love our neighbor as ourselves. We also must pursue peace. Christ is our peace, and we must let Him and His peace rule within us (Colossians 3:15) to overcome fear and anxiety. We do all of this with other godly believers who are pursuing the same godly attributes.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about what to run from and what to run toward?
2. How are you pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, and who is doing this with you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!