Leaving A Trail
2 Timothy 3:10-11 NKJV
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
This is not about leaving the trail. Joy and I did that once while hiking in the mountains and wound up in a place we had no intention of visiting. No, this is about leaving a trail for others to follow. Paul mentions that Timothy has followed some traits that were evident in Paul. But these traits are not limited to preachers or those with a special calling. These are all attainable traits that we can leave for others to follow us.
Paul noted that Timothy had carefully followed his doctrine or teaching, and his manner of life or conduct. Two big things. Paul not only taught good doctrine, but he lived a life that Timothy could imitate.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged the young pastor to not allow anyone to look down on his youthfulness. The only way that could truly happen was for Timothy to live as an example in his words, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. Paul understood that for a message to take solid hold, the messenger needed to live a solid life. And that the way to overcome youthfulness was by example, not by trying to justify and defend.
Paul also lists other traits that can be individualized for each of us. Purpose will vary from person to person, but a purpose built around the advancement of God’s kingdom should be something we all attain to. How we fulfill that purpose will vary, but a purpose not built around self is a big step in the right direction.
Faith is a huge topic, but it boils down to living by what we believe more than what we see and feel. Longsuffering and love are two relational traits that enable us to handle people and all their weaknesses. God is love, and love is the commandment that Jesus gave us. Longsuffering is putting up with people for a long time, which can often involve a level of suffering.
Perseverance is directly related to the persecutions and afflictions that Paul mentioned had happened to him in three different cities. Paul endured, and the Lord delivered him. That is an important key to dealing with persecutions and afflictions, or trouble. When we don’t give up and quit, the Lord has room to move and deliver us from all our troubles. It’s too easy to give up when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But perseverance enables us to keep going, trusting that the Lord will help
Paul gave Timothy quite a laundry list of traits to follow. The purpose was so that Timothy would add these traits into his own life. Paul left quite a trail; may we all be able to one day say the same thing for those God has brought into our lives.
Prayer
Lord help me leave a trail that others can follow. If I do this right, this trail will always lead to and glorify You.