Never Stop Pursuing Christ
“For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3 (CSB)
Algebra nearly did me in last year. Twenty-five years ago, I competed on my school’s math team. I could solve complex equations quickly without a calculator. I spent my Saturday mornings taking math tests and going head-to-head against fellow mathletes in speed drills. Now, however, my daughter’s homework on polynomial equations left me clueless and sleepless. We watched YouTube tutorials, referenced the teacher’s notes, and went through a stack of scratch paper. I still couldn’t find x.
My problem wasn’t competency. At some point in my life, I knew exactly how to solve for x. I was good enough to take home trophies from math competitions. My problem was lack of practice. Once I completed my required math courses in college, I stopped looking for x. Now, twenty years later, my daughter is in pursuit of x, and I am unable to help her.
In the decades since my last math class, I never once regretted not solving equations in my spare time just to keep up my skills. That is, until the night my daughter’s homework stumped me. My former math whiz status only magnified my frustration.
As believers, we can fall into the same kind of trap. We read Scripture, feel competent in its truth, and move on to the next thing. Without continued study and meditation, our spiritual senses begin to dull.
In our key verse, Paul warns Timothy about the need to continue teaching the truths of the gospel to the church in Ephesus. Many teachers had come on the scene since Paul’s visit; not everyone taught the true gospel of Christ. Paul said, “Proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people” (2 Timothy 4:2 MSG)
Timothy’s diligence ensured his congregants weren’t deceived. He continually pointed back to the teachings of Jesus and instructions from Paul’s letters. Repetition kept these truths front and center in their hearts and minds. When they encountered an errant teaching, they identified it quickly because of their familiarity with the truth.
We have more voices trying to persuade us than ever before. Persuasive agendas on social media, podcasts, and in books sound close enough to the truth to pass. Personal stories tug at our emotions, making us want to believe a twist of truth is still the truth. Society has “an itch to hear what they want to hear” and can find an “authority” to back up their particular belief.
We get caught up in half-truths, not because we lack competence, but because we are out of practice. Maybe pride causes us to believe we know it all. Or life’s distractions take our focus off reading the Bible. Perhaps it is just plain spiritual laziness that causes us to stop following Christ. Without continually pursuing Christ and practicing our faith, we are vulnerable to deceitful teaching.
What’s our spiritual homework? Paul gave Timothy this assignment: “But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 CSB). This is the lifestyle of the faithful.
- Obey the teachings of Scripture through self-control.
- When you face hardships, find the strength to endure in Christ.
- Share the gospel message with others.
- Use your gifts to honor and glorify God.
No matter how many years you’ve been a Christian. No matter how many sermons you’ve heard, how many verses you’ve memorized, how many services you’ve attended. Never stop pursuing Christ. Never stop looking for truth in God’s Word. Never stop practicing your faith.
Dear Father, thank you for the truth found in your Word. Continue to teach us as we read its pages. Give us wisdom and discernment to know the truth in a world that has become so relative. Help us live what we believe, never growing weary in practicing our faith.
Scripture for Reflection
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB)
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:8-9 (NLT)
Reach for More
Do you have time set aside each day to read and reflect on God’s Word? Take a minute to think about your typical day. Determine the best time to reserve five to ten minutes to spend with God. Choose to limit distractions by turning off screens and notifications. Open the Bible, and begin to establish a foundation of truth. You can use the passages we provide here or follow a suggested reading plan.
is a small town girl who married a small town man. They have three children. In the quiet minutes of her day, you will find her at the keyboard or curled up with a book–always with coffee. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.
Photograph © Allen Taylor, used with permission
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