October 2 - 2 Timothy 1: Truly Life

Paul's second letter continues to exhort Timothy on how to gain life "that is truly life" (1 Timothy 6:19) as "laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:1).   The aspects of this true life that Paul mentions in this chapter include being "bold and loving and sensible" (1:7), taking "your share of suffering for the Message" (1:8), keeping at the work of "faith and love rooted in Christ" (1:13), and guarding it as a gift from the Holy Spirit who is doing the work in him (1:14).  This is the stuff of true life - not incredibly glamorous or noteworthy.

Through recent observations of others' lives and my own, I'm watching what it looks like to forfeit this real life of Christ that comes only through enduring, suffering, keeping at it, and guarding.   Pushing steadfastness aside and choosing relief from the weight of life is routinely happening all around us.  I don't just mean deciding to get out of difficult marriages or seeking illicit distractions from life's disappointments - these things are commonly occurring and are heartbreaking.  Just as wrenching are those of us who are requiring meaning, satisfaction, and positive emotions out of life and then, manipulating in order to find these things that feel essential.  This often manifests itself in a desire for change, improvement, or a purpose beyond our current status.  Next comes a new diet and exercise routine, another ministry or Bible study, the latest organizational tool or home improvement project, anything that gets us out of the "rut" we think we're in. Something that will occupy our minds and time and provide some "meaning" and anticipation to our lives.

I'm not convinced that these things we seek to fill us up are the True Life that Christ is calling us to.  I wonder if we're deserting Christ as Phygeles and Hermoneges deserted Paul (1:15).   Some days, obedience is simply enduring in the work that God has placed in front of us - as boring, unfulfilling, and unappreciated as it may seem - and in it finding the Giver of Life.

"The life I want you to live now is a life both to endure and enjoy.  At times, such strong endurance will be required that joy will seem a far-off hope, a lost experience.  But without endurance, you will know little of the very real joy I provide.  With endurance, a joy will develop that frees you to appreciate the pleasures of life's blessings without requiring from them a satisfaction they cannot provide.  And that same joy, more deeply felt as a longing whose complete satisfaction is guaranteed, frees you to endure whatever hardships lie ahead without indulging your still-alive spirit of entitlement by justifying illegitimate relief."  (66LL)