2 Timothy 1:7-12
One of my favorite Christian artists is the singer Steve Camp. He was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. I was a fairly new Christian at that time, so I was just “discovering” Christian music. A standout song of his is called “Consider the Cost.” The chorus goes,
Consider the cost of building a tower
It's a narrow way that you must come
For to do the will of the Father
Is to follow the Son
To love Him more than father or mother
You will love Him more than even your own flesh
To give all that you are, for all that He is
This is the gospel according to Jesus
These words hit hard. Nothing happens without cost. Cost is not inherently bad; it is a consequence and inescapable. How you choose to spend your time, your money, and your relationships all come with a cost. Our walk as followers of Jesus comes with a cost, but it is worth everything.
Paul was in prison in Rome. His death was imminent. But even in the midst of what he went through, he continued to be a witness for Jesus. Paul is writing to encourage Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of his situation. His concern was for Timothy. When I got saved, I was confronted with all the things I would have to “give up” in order to live a Christian life. All this is coming from non-believing friends and family. I’ll be honest, it was a struggle at first. Not because of some change in lifestyle. My life was pretty “straight and narrow” as it was. It was rather the possibility of ridicule and alienation that might come as a result. As I matured, I became more emboldened. I was less inclined to stay silent when speaking up was needed. In these verses, Paul is telling Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus’ testimony. The world, ever more so today, seeks to belittle and mock Christ, His testimony, and His followers. We are told that our values are outdated and best, and harmful at worst. It is to that challenge we must stand firm and faithful. God give us power. When we suffer, it should be because we are proclaiming His truth, not because we are being punished. It is through God’s grace, given to us in Christ, as Paul says, “before the beginning of time.” Christ has defeated death, so why should we be timid or afraid? We already know who wins. Christ not only destroyed death but also revealed life. The relationship between Paul and Timothy is that of teacher and student. Paul was preparing Timothy to continue sharing the Gospel as Paul’s death lay near. Just as we have learned in our own walk from a mentor and teacher, we too must be ready to do the same. But we must always remember to count the cost. There will be suffering in some form or fashion. But eternity with Christ is its outcome.
One of my favorite Christian artists is the singer Steve Camp. He was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. I was a fairly new Christian at that time, so I was just “discovering” Christian music. A standout song of his is called “Consider the Cost.” The chorus goes,
Consider the cost of building a tower
It's a narrow way that you must come
For to do the will of the Father
Is to follow the Son
To love Him more than father or mother
You will love Him more than even your own flesh
To give all that you are, for all that He is
This is the gospel according to Jesus
These words hit hard. Nothing happens without cost. Cost is not inherently bad; it is a consequence and inescapable. How you choose to spend your time, your money, and your relationships all come with a cost. Our walk as followers of Jesus comes with a cost, but it is worth everything.
Paul was in prison in Rome. His death was imminent. But even in the midst of what he went through, he continued to be a witness for Jesus. Paul is writing to encourage Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of his situation. His concern was for Timothy. When I got saved, I was confronted with all the things I would have to “give up” in order to live a Christian life. All this is coming from non-believing friends and family. I’ll be honest, it was a struggle at first. Not because of some change in lifestyle. My life was pretty “straight and narrow” as it was. It was rather the possibility of ridicule and alienation that might come as a result. As I matured, I became more emboldened. I was less inclined to stay silent when speaking up was needed. In these verses, Paul is telling Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus’ testimony. The world, ever more so today, seeks to belittle and mock Christ, His testimony, and His followers. We are told that our values are outdated and best, and harmful at worst. It is to that challenge we must stand firm and faithful. God give us power. When we suffer, it should be because we are proclaiming His truth, not because we are being punished. It is through God’s grace, given to us in Christ, as Paul says, “before the beginning of time.” Christ has defeated death, so why should we be timid or afraid? We already know who wins. Christ not only destroyed death but also revealed life. The relationship between Paul and Timothy is that of teacher and student. Paul was preparing Timothy to continue sharing the Gospel as Paul’s death lay near. Just as we have learned in our own walk from a mentor and teacher, we too must be ready to do the same. But we must always remember to count the cost. There will be suffering in some form or fashion. But eternity with Christ is its outcome.
Posted in Devotional