Honor God with Your Life

As mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, “They were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11.26) Based on history, this was not always a term of endearment. What was a slander has become a name which bestows honor, at least we hope it does. We all hope to honor God with our lives and the reputation we have.

Today, the Church commemorates the Apostle Timothy, of the Seventy. His name is a testimony to his life. Τιμόθεος (Timothy) is a word that combines “honor” with “God”, and the Apostle Timothy’s life was a honor to God. You can read briefly about him here.

Timothy, my son, I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you. Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God. – 2nd Timothy 1.3-8

The Lord said to his disciples, “Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.” – Matthew 10.32-33, 37-38, 19.27-30

Both the Epistle and Gospel readings for today are in honor of St Timothy, and both reflect how his life honored God. He followed Saint Paul throughout his missionary journeys, and as today’s passage reflects was an inspiration to Saint Paul. It wasn’t only Saint Paul that honored Timothy. As his name suggests, God honored him because he honored God.

Can you imagine if your life was an inspiration to Saint Paul? I am inspired by the faith of many people I encounter. I recall on instance when a young mother who had just lost two infant children, said to me, “I just wish God didn’t trust me so much.” Her faith still inspires me. Her tears still fill my heart.

Can you imagine being honored by God? Every time you honor Him, every time you acknowledge Him, every time you confess Him; He response by honoring and acknowledging you. He promises as much in today’s Gospel passage. Saint Timothy’s life and his very name should inspire us to honor God with our life AND our reputation. Set out to be like Timothy.