RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

As we start a new year, the world desperately needs to see men and women of God. Darkness seems to be engulfing mankind. Therefore, men and women who are God’s instruments will be a bright and shining light. So we will be looking at the lives of men and women of God.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:10, 11). Though Timothy was much younger, Paul referred to him as a “man of God.” Age isn’t the criteria for a man or woman of God. The key is a heartfelt pursuit to know God, walk humbly with Him, and share His great love with a lost and dying world.
Paul mentioned several criteria for a man of God. First he tells Timothy to keep his focus on the main thing. Don’t get distracted. Keep the “main thing the main thing.” Don’t let money or material possessions cloud your focus. Paul knew that many had lost their perspective — and consequently found heartache and sorrow. There’s a lure to materialism that can be deadly. There’s nothing wrong with having nice things; God created them for our enjoyment. But when we begin to love those things rather than see them as God’s provision for our needs, we find ourselves headed down a slippery path.
Our purpose must be first to seek after Christ and His righteousness. There are six characteristics the victorious man or woman of God needs to pursue. We need to pursue righteousness: a right standing with God. The most important thing in our lives should be to stand in a right relationship with God. Pursue those things that will enhance your relationship with God rather than destroy it. As you do that, you will find yourself victorious.
Pursue Christlikeness. Make the goal of your life to become like Christ. Let that be your focus. It doesn’t lead to grief. Such a purpose leads to joy and victory. But it’s also an impossible task. You can’t one day just decide you’re going to be more like Christ and then, all of a sudden, you’re this mighty, victorious Christian. That’s not within your ability. You must live, walk, and breathe by faith. You must trust Christ to make you the kind of person that reflects His character.
In addition to pursuing righteousness and godliness, you must also pursue faith. But how do you do that? The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Pursue faith by delving into the Word of God. Then faith will spring forth from your innermost being like a fountain of refreshing waters.
Then add love and gentleness to your faith. I’ve discovered there are two types of Christians in hot pursuit of God. One is what I call the prophets; the other is the giver of mercy. The prophet pursues righteousness, faith, and godliness. The giver of mercy pursues love and gentleness. But Paul didn’t say to pursue one or the other. He said to pursue both. Along with our standard of purity, we must pursue a loving, kind, and gentle spirit. We must love those who hate us, care for those who need us, and be gentle with those around us who have fallen. We must be a people of grace and mercy.
A man or woman of God will be one who pursues Christ and His righteousness until the end. He will endure. Many begin with a bang and end with a bust. But the man or woman of God will finish the race. He sets his eyes on the finish line where Christ stands waiting for him. He’s not running a sprint. He’s running a marathon. That’s why the author of Hebrews said, “looking unto Christ the author and perfector of our faith.” I encourage you this year to place your focus on Christ. He’s the beginning and the end of victorious Christian living. Look to Jesus — and become a victorious man or woman.