Read between the lines

Scripture makes some pretty bold and sometimes hard statements about life and faith. I am a big fan of all of them!

We can also miss so much of what is not written by only focusing on what is written. That is why I am also a fan of praying as you read scripture and expecting God to speak directly in our hearts.

Here is an example that I hope helps?

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

1 Timothy 6:12 niv

What is written between the lines here?

1. Your faith is equated with a fight.

It will feel like a battle sometimes. It is supposed to...not some ocean cruise on the Love Boat of good times. Following Jesus is for the broken, lost and sick...who discover something better worth holding onto. That fight for many of us is the wrestling with our desires to do wrong and/or temptation pulling us in directions we know aren't right. We are called to wrestle (fight) with our faith because it is worth  something to us...

2. Lots of fights are going on...which one should we fight?

The hint is there good fights and bad fights. Paul talks elsewhere about avoiding fights about the meaning of words and of genealogies. We are called to fight a fight that is good and that is eternal.

It is like we are being encouraged to pick a side in the battle. I choose to fight the good fight of grace, love and truth.

3. Am I willing to fight?

Pacifist Jesus theology takes us to places and influences potentially in poor ways. It means we keep waiting on Jesus to pour blessing after blessing on us and that everything should be peace, love and mungbeans. 

How willing are you to fight for what you have? How far will you go?

I have stuck my hand up to follow Jesus and join with the Kingdom of God for two things, my life and the life of those around me. I will fight for what matters most and not simply rest on what matters most.

As you read this passage and any number of potential others in scripture this week...

May you consider what is written between the lines? May you let God speak and build you?

Something to think about...