Are you a holy person? When people think of you, does the word "holy" come to mind? What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Holy?" Do you think of a hermit living high on a hilltop? How about a saint who lived long ago? All believers are saints in the biblical sense. The word saint means holy, or set apart for the Lord. If you believe in Jesus, that is your calling.

Where does holiness fit into your life? It should be everywhere. God is present always and everywhere. The question is this: Are you aware of it? God’s presence makes a difference in everything you do. A holy person is aware of God’s presence. A holy person does not forget that God is there. In that way, a holy person is fully aware of life. That is Paul’s challenge to Timothy and to us.

Living a holy life involves two things: fleeing and pursuing. But you, man of God, flee from all this (love of money, looking for other things to satisfy your heart, search for meaning among the idols)…and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (v 11).

Ungodliness is something that you have to flee. Righteousness is something that you have to pursue. Ungodliness will crowd around you naturally. It needs no help. It will encircle you unless you do something about it. It is encircling you in your life right now. Righteousness is something that you have to pursue. It will not happen automatically. All the time there are things that will pull you away from righteousness: little things, subtle things, big things, and obvious things. Your enemy probes to find the area where you are vulnerable.

What are the ways that ungodliness is after you? It may be different from me or Timothy or someone else. One thing is sure: it is after you. Another thing is sure: you have to pursue righteousness, because it is not the normal state of things in this world.

Paul also calls this pursuing righteousness a fight. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (v 12). Your witness is what you say, but even more, it is how you are actually living your life. It is not just what you say when you want to sound like a Christian. It is not just where you go when you want to look like a Christian. It is what you do all the time. It is in you as you live your life day by day. Does that sound like a good thing? Are you confident in the testimony you give to Christ in your everyday life, or is that a scary thought?

Paul mentions an area that hits us where it hurts and where we need to examine: our attitudes towards money and wealth. Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

And so I command you, don’t be arrogant or complacent in your wealth, because your hard work and good fortune will not give you life that is truly life. And so I command you to think of those with whom you can share. Note the reason Paul gives is not to assuage feelings of guilt or to give good feelings. It is so you will have something that is solid, something real—something that inflation or recession will not erode. God has provided us good things to enjoy and to be used for his glory.

Flee from idolatry. Flee from unrighteousness. Flee from self-absorbed living. Flee from sinful lusts. Flee from idleness and laziness. Flee from gluttony and anger. Flee from gossip and contentiousness. Flee from an unloving attitude toward other people. Flee the dazzle and show of fame and wealth. Flee the desire to control other people. There is much to flee from.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Pursue helping others to know forgiveness in Christ. Pursue feeding those who are hungry. Pursue listening to those who are lonely. Pursue real knowledge of God in prayer and the study of his word. Pursue the knowledge of the Holy One. Pursue a vital relationship with the Savior.

The source of your holiness will come through your relationship to Christ. If you by faith are trusting in him alone, then you have the righteousness of Christ resting on you. What is more, his Spirit will be changing you to reflect his holy character within you. Are you a holy person? Don’t you want to be? All holiness for you rests in Christ. Pursue him and you will have all holiness.