But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. — 1 Timothy 4:7
Some time ago, I was talking with someone, and we were talking about changes in our world. We laughed as we talked about how things are so much different now. When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time outside playing sports. Now, it seems that kids would rather stay inside and play video games. This person shared how they remembered going out to eat with friends on the weekend, but their own kids would rather have friends over to their house and stay home.
One other thing that we both shared was how it seems people in our society become consumed by things. We talked about how some people are so consumed with trying to figure out every single detail of life they miss out on things. The conversation ended as I reminded them of an old saying, you only get one chance in this life, and you better make it count.
Here in Timothy, Paul writes a very interesting statement. He reminds the people not to get caught up in the stories and fables. He says to refuse them or to consider these things not worthy of your time. Paul realized that the time we have in life is short and extremely valuable.
Just like the people that Paul wrote this warning to, we often fill our lives with things that are not worth our time. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some things in this world. But it is so easy to let the things of this world consume us from what really matters.
Paul says that we should commit ourselves to godliness. The world exercise means that it takes effort. It takes our focus, dedication, and commitment to living our lives set apart to God. Instead of being consumed by the things of this world, our lives should be consumed by our efforts to live for God!
As you reflect, are there things in your life that are consuming precious time that you could spend living for God? We only get one chance in this life. It is important that we make our lives count and take advantage of ever moment we can to live for God!
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