In her early years as a Christian author, Gayle often received fun gifts from her publisher. Bouquets of flowers, chocolates, boxes of herbal teas. All lovely. But over time, her publisher began to send gifts with lasting value. A Bible, devotionals and prayer journals. As she used them, Gayle became a more mature believer—less focused on receiving superficial gifts and more committed to using her life to lead others to Christ.
This approach recalls Timothy’s growth under the mentoring of the apostle Paul. Stressing spiritual maturity, Paul advised, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Then Paul added, “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (v. 16). He added, “Flee the evil desires of youth . . . . Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. . . . And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (vv. 22-24).
Paul’s wise advice offers believers one other key benefit. Even opponents of Christ, when they see our mature choices in Him, may “come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil” (v. 26). So ‘growing up’ in God has eternal outcomes beyond ourselves. Let’s not wait, therefore, to grow up in our faith. Others will benefit as well.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
Where is your faith immature? How can you ‘grow up’ spiritually?
Wise God, please grow my spiritual maturity in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The name Timothy (which means “honouring God”) is the compound form of the Greek words timē (honour) and theos (God). From what’s recorded of Timothy in Scripture, he lived up to his name. He’s first mentioned in Acts 16, where it’s noted that he was a disciple with a good reputation (v. 2). Paul recruited him as a member of his ministry team (vv. 3-5). Timothy’s path to belief in Jesus and maturity and usefulness began under the tutelage of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice ( 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Paul mentions Timothy in many of his letters, including these accolades in Philippians 2: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. . . . But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel” (vv. 20, 22). As we grow in our relationship with Christ, others will benefit.
Arthur Jackson
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