By Elliott, Director of Outreach
If you deposited a lot of money into your bank, you would want to make sure your money was safe. Further, if you had money or other assets (valuables) in your house you would want to hide it or ensure they were placed in a safe place. We always want to safeguard the things we cherish and deem valuable.
In 2 Timothy 1:14, we understand that the book of Timothy is essentially Apostle Paul giving advice to this a recently the ordained Pastor Timothy. The advice given is the same advice we can use this Christmas season. “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
What is this treasure or deposit that Paul is asking Timothy to guard? First and foremost, guard the deposit which is the gospel, the good news, and what is written in the Bible. Secondly, guard the deposit which is Christ by imitating him and living out His words and actions.
We as Christians have an obligation to give priority to the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and to avoid being caught up in the glitter that this season can bring. We should be seen as a reflection of the greatest treasure that God has granted us - the gift of Jesus and His gospel! In this season of Christmas, to accept Christ as Lord, to guard the good news He has given us, does not mean we try to do good things here on earth so that there will be rewards in the life to come, but rather, it means that the beautiful eternal values of love, joy, peace, and truth can be ours now. For these are the treasures that God has sent in Christ!
As we enter this season of Christmas, in the midst of hustle, may we not forget Paul’s important lesson to the young Pastor Timothy. That we too need to “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted, and to guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Merry Christmas from your friends at Toronto City Mission!