A HIGHER CALLING

Things were going sideways in Ephesus. 

False teachers were sowing discord among the brethren, which led to endless discussions and meaningless debates. They refused to accept that Christ had fulfilled the law and instead tried to place that responsibility back on the believer. 

Paul told Timothy to put an end to their assault against the Gospel. He was to remind the people of Jesus' higher calling to ... love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

He went on to explain the conditions required to obey this command. They were to ... love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)  

1. A pure heart: 

This is the inner quality of those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Christ. The heart of stone has been replaced by one through which God's love can flow ... You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

2. A good conscience:

This is the imparted ability to judge between right and wrong. A God-given moral code is stamped on the true believer's intellect ... I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (Jeremiah 31:33)

3. A sincere faith:

This is more than believing that Jesus existed, more than acknowledging His profound teachings, more than confessing that He was the Son of God. It is a total surrender to His Lordship, evidenced by a changed life ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

As vital as it is to be doctrinally correct, it is equally important to have one's heart, attitude, and resulting behavior in line with God's loving nature. The mission is not to be right and prove others wrong. Love should define our lives and motivate our actions ... it is what draws people to the foot of the cross.