October 5, 2010
2 Timothy 2
Cammie Wilson
I remember the moment vividly.
I was about seven years old when, while playing at a friend’s house, her grandfather walked in the door, took one look at me, and said, “I know exactly whose you are. You are the spitting image of your father!” I can still feel the surge of pride upon hearing that exclamation. It was obvious to whom I belonged. I had been recognized by this man as belonging to my father. I belonged to my dad!
That’s why each Saturday was my favorite day of the week. You see, I never did the typical “girl” things. Barbie and baby dolls? That was silly and pointless! I would rather run around outside, catching caterpillars and bugs. So when each Saturday arrived, I knew that my dad would be at home. I would wake up early in the morning, put on my army fatigues, get my tool box, meet him in the kitchen for a hearty breakfast, before it was off to his shop for the entire morning to build something exciting. I loved him so much that I wanted to be around him as much as I could. I wanted to look like him, act like him and be like him. He was a godly man who loved and served God with all of his heart. I wanted to be recognized as belonging to him.
In 2 Timothy 2, we are encouraged in several different ways to conduct ourselves in a godly manner, like that of our Heavenly Father: “...flee from evil desires; pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace; avoid godless chatter; study to show ourselves approved…” Paul encourages and gives us guidelines that will help us live in a way that would indicate that we belong to God. Of course, since we are human, we are not perfect and will make mistakes. Yet shouldn’t we try to be as much like our Heavenly Father as possible?
We read in verse 19, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are His.’” As we learn to love God more, serve Him more, be more like Him and less like ourselves, we will be recognized by others as belonging to Him. More importantly, as we are in relationship with Him, we are recognized by God Himself, because He knows who are His.
Whether we are alone or in a large crowd, may we live in a way that indicates to Whom we belong. May our conduct, attitude and heart reflect our Heavenly Father, who recognizes us as belonging to Him.
Through her “high D/I” personality blend (DISC Model of Human Behavior), Cammie’s “bottom line” drive and determination are balanced by her care for others. She serves as Grace Covenant’s women ministries director.
