Clearly Stated Goal

I didn't get to write yesterday. For her April 9 birthday Carol wanted to see a zoo. Of the six we found within 400 miles of Hamilton, none closer than 300, Billings was having the best weather on Friday. So Thursday off we went. We had a great time. Carol and I agree on a recommendation for you: if you're in Billings with a couple hours to spare, go see the zoo. But don't go to Billings to see the zoo unless that's what you want to do for your birthday. :)

I like clearly stated goals. Paul gives Timothy three. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

Our staying on to instruct (the command in vss. 3-4) will serve three purposes: love, a good conscience (free from guilt), and sincere faith. (Does anyone feel a sermon coming on?)

Love, especially when flowing from a pure heart, can't be beat for mending wounds and furthering the Kingdom. I see countless examples of this from my ministry here. When considering moving to Hamilton, Carol and I sat briefly with a trusted friend who was familiar with happenings in this congregation. He told us to simply, "Go up there and show them they are loved. They've been used and need to see that God still loves them." That's what we've tried to do. Been in Hamilton 11 years now.

A good conscience. If we're instructing others in the things of the Lord we're going the right thing. And doing the right thing is never wrong. The difficulty arises when we do something wrong. But never forget that making mistakes is okay. Believers are forgiven. Here's a tried and proven formula for recovery:

• Confess any wrongdoing to God and anyone else who may have been hurt. Seek forgiveness from all.
• Deal with your own guilt - let it go. (If that's hard for you, just act like you're guiltless and allow God to work it out, He will.)
• Learn not to make the same mistake again. (The hard part.)

It seems to me that a sincere faith easily grows by learning more about God. Look at history. He's created, provided for, kept every promise, sustained, loved, and answered prayers (and those are quite general, broad categories of His work for us). As we learn to trust Him and see His faithfulness consistently demonstrated, our faith increases-becomes more sincere.

Speaking of promises, that's what 1 Timothy 1:5 is. You, pastor, obey the command (stay and instruct) and He will grant you love, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Pressing on, Ed