2 Timothy 4 - Guidepost 

Closing out the book of 2 Timothy, a few things stood out to me this morning, reading chapter 4. I can feel the passion Paul has in these few sentences:

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Inside of those words, be prepared in season and out of season just lifted off the screen, and is something I am taking away. To me, this means being in a place spiritually where we are never letting our guard down, and living a life that is full of intentionality. Being prepared in and out of season means that in the smallest of small or big things, we are ready to bring the truth, God’s word with our mouths, or directly with our actions and our walk. Pauls described this a few verses later by saying;

“...keep your head in all situations....” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love the simplicity of this statement, keep your head in all situations... I often “lose my head” or lose my cool, or just get triggered, and that is not being prepared in and out of season. 

I do pray it’s a long time from now. I pray I can see and love on my future grandchildren, see my girls grow up into wonderful women of God, and I continue to grey and age with my beautiful wife, Robin. And as these come to light, these next few verses can be a target, a goal, and a destination to point towards. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Being prepared in season and out, keeping your head in all situations, living a life of purpose and passion towards fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ can and will be a significant challenge Paul continues to remind us. But the fruit, the joy, the anticipation, and the prize of the crown of righteousness, in the end, is something worthy to long and guide towards. 

Signing off as Paul did, a prayer for us all. 

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬