But for you . . . Be different. Stay on course. Don't give up. From the shadow of death, the apostle Paul left these as the final words for Timothy, his son in the faith and the one who would take his place after martyrdom. Written in a time when many had the form of godliness but denied the power, and lovers of God turned lovers of self and pleasure, these three words called for a clear distinction between the true and the false.
This same distinction must be made among us today. A choice is set before us: continue in the world of compromise, where we go to church and attempt the spiritual life, yet are never satisfied . . . or receive Paul's plea-but for you-and be genuine men and women who live by the higher call.
Like Paul instructed Timothy, we must be men and women of godly character and press on, against the wind and against all the religious norms of our day to fulfill the call of God upon our lives.
Drawing from contemporary illustrations and moving life experiences, K.P. Yohannan plumbs the depths of 2 Timothy to reveal the characteristics that help us to run strong, so that one day we can echo Paul-"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Press on against the wind.
