Going for Gold

2 Timothy 2:14-26 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. There is a a story told about a man who some time ago was competing in the Olympics. He was a runner and was set to win the Gold on the track. The runners got to their starting blocks and the gun sounded and they were off. The race was going well and this man was in position to win the Gold when out of no where he fell to the ground. His ankle broken he was balled up in pain. Seeing what was going on his father came out of the stands and came to his side. The man was determined to win gold and finish the race. His father picked him up and they hobbled to the finish line. The man did not win the gold or did he? This passage talks about pursuing things that are gold (eternal). In the worlds eyes (spectators) these things are good but not great. But to the greatest spectator and our father that comes to help us they are of utmost value. Which of these things will I pursue today?