“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 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.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

In the Old Testament the term “Man of God” was generally used to refer to prophets, identifying them as representatives of God. Here in the passage above Paul applies it to all Christians and specifically uses it to admonish Timothy to take seriously his role as Christ’s ambassador. If you are a Christian, you are a man of God, called to be His ambassador and this admonition is for you too.

Paul warns the man of God to “flee all this” referring to a focus on accumulating worldly wealth and pursuing worldly pleasure as described earlier in the chapter. Instead, the man of God should cultivate Christian character by pursuing “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

Righteousness speaks of fairness and integrity in dealing with other people. Godliness means following Jesus and walking in His ways. Faith indicates total trust in God, despite circumstances. Love refers to our devotion to God and our service to others. Endurance is patience in the face of trial and affliction. And gentleness is a disposition that produces peace.

As a lifestyle the man of God should “fight the good fight of the faith.” The word “fight” here alludes to an athletic contest rather than a battlefield, and the admonition is to run with patient endurance the race God marks out for you, looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith.

The man of God must also be driven by an eternal perspective. This world is not our final destination, so we should “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) The man of God should always be asking, “What is the eternal significance of how I spend my time energy, and money?”

Are you living like a man of God? Where do you need to grow as a man of God?