The life of every Godly person always reveals certain features that help identify them as real followers of Jesus. The presence or absence of these features can often provide a pretty good measurement of where people really stand spiritually.
In 2 Timothy chapter two, we find a number of those features that help identify anyone who is really serious about a kind that honors God. So let’s take a look at the following list and see how we measure up.
1.) A Godly Young Man Or Woman Is Strong In Christ
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1 NIV).
God’s grace (or His “unmerited favor”) helps give us the strength needed to accomplish those things that God has called us to do! A good example of this kind of strength is found in 2 Corinthians 4:13 where we read, “We boldly say what we believe [trusting God to care for us], just as the Psalm writer did when he said, ‘I believe and therefore I speak.'”
2.) A Godly Young Man Or Woman Communicates The Truth About God To Others
“For you must teach others those things you and many others have heard me speak about. Teach these great truths to trustworthy men who will, in turn, pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
If you really want to have an eternal impact in the lives of other people then simply take what you know about God and pass it along to others who will then take it and pass it along to still more people! In that way, the Word of God is multiplied among many people and not just a few.
3.) A Godly Young Man Or Woman Is A Person Of Excellent Character
A Godly person is a person of excellence in all areas of life. In the remaining verses of 2 Timothy we find some of the qualities that should be seen in the character of every true man or woman of God…
They Are Strong And Not Easily Discouraged
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3 NIV).
They Don’t Get Tied Up In Things That Prevent Them From Doing What God Wants Them To Do
“and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (2 Timothy 2:4).
They Don’t Cheat Even If They Can Get Away With It
“Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize” (2 Timothy 2:5).
They Work Hard Now In Exchange For Future Rewards Later
“Work hard like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop” (2 Timothy 2:6).
They Spend Time Thinking About God’s Word And What It Means
“Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you” (2 Timothy 2:7).
They Put The Needs Of Others Ahead Of Their Own Needs
“I am more than willing to suffer if that will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen” (2 Timothy 2:10).
They Don’t Fight Over Unimportant Things
“Remind your people of these great facts, and command them in the name of the Lord not to argue over unimportant things. Such arguments are confusing and useless and even harmful” (2 Timothy 2:14).
They Read The Scriptures
“Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done.’ Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means” (2 Timothy 2:15).
They Don’t Gossip
“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:16 NIV).
They Keep Themselves Pure In Thought And Action
“Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22).
They Don’t Argue With Others
“God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong” (2 Timothy 2:24).
They Are Courteous With People Who Disagree With Them
“Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true” (2 Timothy 2:25).
So how many of these characteristics do you see in your own life? Are you falling short in a few areas? If so, then the right move is to ask God to help you grow in those areas where you need improvement and He will do it (see John 14:14-15). Finally, don’t forget God’s message to you in Philippians 1:6…
“And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.”