Gold & Silver

Written By Betty Predmore

2 TIMOTHY 2:1-21

(October 23)

Strength, endurance, and hard work are what Timothy will need to continue the work Paul has started. Paul advises him that the suffering he will face is what will define him as a good soldier of Christ. Not getting tied up in the things of this world and always being obedient to the Gospel will bring the reward of a job well done.

Anything Timothy endures will be worth it if it brings salvation to others. The world may put Timothy in chains, as they have Paul, but the Good News can never be chained.

Paul goes on to quote a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him,

we also live with him.

If we endure hardship,

we will reign with him.

If we deny him,

he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny who he is.

Paul urges Timothy to remind everyone of this, encouraging them to stop the arguing and the foolish talk that has led to foolish behavior. Because the Lord knows who is walking in the faith and who has turned away.

By keeping himself pure, Timothy will be honorable and ready to be used by God. Paul likens it to the everyday wood and clay utensils in wealthy homes and the gold and silver utensils used for something special. Paul is telling Timothy that HE can be the silver and gold ... the special utensil used by God for the special task of leading others to know the gospel.

Paul wants Timothy to know how special he is, how worthy of this calling he is. Each of us have the same ability as Paul, to shed off the wood and clay and put on the gold and silver by leading an honorable life that sets us apart. We can all be shares of the Word and builders of the Kingdom.

There is also a warning I see hidden in these words today. Yes, Timothy can become the silver and gold, the special one. So can we. But we need to be careful that we don't lead others to OUR TRUTH, but to the ONE TRUTH. We are not the Savior, Jesus is. We don't deserve the praise, Jesus does. It's not all about us and what we can do for someone else. It's all about Jesus. He is so much better than silver and gold.

Silver and gold
Silver and gold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
No fame or fortune
Nor riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold (Kirk Franklin)

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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