Morning Moments

If we are to understand what "sound doctrine" is for the Church of Jesus Christ, we must pay particular attention to the writings of Paul; for to him was given the mystery concerning the Church and to Peter were given the "keys of the kingdom". They are NOT the same.

1:2 - Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

What do you wish for your children - success, prosperity, health? Why do you say to them when you send them off - Be safe, drive carefully, call us when you get there? Paul's word to son, Timothy are so unlike our own.

Our text gives us four principles by all believers should live and raise their families:

Faith for Fellowship - Faith should be the common bond for every Christian family. Paul spoke of the "unfeigned" faith of Lois and Eunice, Timothy's grandmother and mother. If we expect our children to be people of faith, we MUST be. They should see in us our willingness to trust the Lord completely. Timothy saw that in Paul.

Grace for Growth - We are admonished to "grow in grace". Grace is best understood as something one does for another out of the sheer generousity of heart, without expecting anything in return. Grace is the means by which faith come to us. That grace is to be heard in our speech and shown in our disposition.

Mercy in Ministry - There is "a wideness in God's mercy." Mercy is that which God withholds that we deserve. How often we hear someone say, "I don't deserve this". Why not? Do you really want what you deserve from God? When we say things like "He deserves what he got" when hardship falls upon someone, we are not ministering in mercy. How often are we merciless when it comes to some and merciful when it comes to others, all because we take it upon ourselves to determine what others deserve.

Peace for Perseverance - God wants us to patiently endure adversity and affliction as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He offers us peace in the midst of persecution and provocation. This peace in not something that the world understands. It is stability in the midst of storm; focus in the midst of a faith fight; calm when all around us is chaos. It is peace that keeps us together when others are falling apart.

Don't you wish you had a father in the faith to write to you like this? YOU DO! And you just read it! Selah.