I’m not a car guy, meaning I can't fix a car, but I did learn to change my oil once (with the help of some STP!). That experience got me thinking about a helpful analogy for how to live a spiritually healthy life: Jesus as our STP – Story, Truths, and Practices.
The Story of Jesus: The Foundation
We explored 1 Timothy, a letter Paul wrote to Timothy, his protégé, during a challenging time. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and truth within the church, describing it as a "pillar and buttress of the truth." This truth is centered on the story of Jesus. We looked at a possible hymn or creed within 1 Timothy, highlighting key moments in Jesus' life: his incarnation (Christmas), vindication (through baptism or resurrection), angelic witness, proclamation among the nations, global belief in his sacrifice, and ascension. Understanding and centering our lives on this complete story is vital for spiritual health. Compromising any part of this narrative, as I shared through the example of a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided evangelist I knew, can lead to spiritual instability.
The Truths of Jesus: The Fuel
Spiritual health isn't just about knowing the story; it's about embracing the truths it reveals. 1 Timothy 4:1-10 warns against false teachings and deceitful spirits. It emphasizes the goodness of God's creation and the importance of thanksgiving. A good servant of Christ is grounded in faith and sound doctrine, avoiding irreverent myths and pursuing godliness. This godliness offers benefits both now and in the future, providing hope in the living God, the savior of all. We looked at some common myths that contradict the Gospel, such as the idea that marriage is inherently bad or that Sunday worship is the mark of the beast. These are "silly, irreverent myths." The Gospel is about salvation through Christ, not earning God's love through self-imposed rules.
The Practices of Jesus: The Engine
The final element of our STP analogy is practice. 1 Timothy 4:12-15 encourages us to diligently pursue spiritual disciplines: reading scripture, exhortation, teaching, and nurturing our spiritual gifts. This isn't just for pastors; it's for all followers of Jesus. We are all a royal priesthood, called to teach, be examples, and devote ourselves to scripture. Paul's strong language here reflects the potential struggles even those used mightily by God can face. Timothy, despite his service, likely experienced tiredness and discouragement. Paul's encouragement to "persist" offers comfort and guidance for us all. It's not about feelings, but about focusing on Christ and His practices – prayer, scripture study, and confronting error – even when we feel weak or discouraged. This persistence leads to visible progress, drawing others to Christ.
Conclusion
Building a spiritually healthy life is about focusing on Jesus' story, truths, and practices. It's about embracing the whole package, not just the parts we find convenient. It's about persisting in our faith, even when we feel tired or discouraged. It's about remembering Jesus and allowing His life, death, and resurrection to shape our own. Remember the communion we shared, a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice for us. Let's strive to live out these teachings, not just hear them.
