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It's easy to let life "just happen." You go along doing the most convenient thing without thinking about its consequences. One painless choice leads to another painless choice. Life stays comfortable for a while, but before long, you wake up to realize that you're in a bad situation. Too late you discover your circumstance is the result of a long series of decisions that led you toward compromises and away from God.

Paul kept reminding Timothy to stay aware of what he was doing and watch the choices he was making. He peppers this part of his letter with advice like, "Shun …" (2:16); "Flee …" (2:22); "Pursue righteousness, faith …" (2:22); "Avoid …" (2:23); "in humility …" (2:25). Paul was reminding Timothy—and you today—to make the right choices, because your choices do have lasting consequences. ((See also Genesis 12:1-7; Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 13:1-5; Galatians 5:16-26; 2 John.)

Good Words to Remember:
If anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

Today's Challenge:
Are you intentional, or do you let life "just happen"? What are the results?

Bible Studies to Help You Go Deeper