In 2 Timothy 3, Paul provides encouragement to his young disciple. He instructs Timothy to continue in what he had learned, was convinced of (firmly persuaded and assured of), knowing who he had learned it from (his teachers) and the sacred writings (the teachings found in the ‘Old Testament’) from an early age (young in Christ). Paul told him this would prepare him for the present (obedience, wisdom, knowledge) and ultimate Paul’s example of “follow-through” is an important principle. In sports the “follow-through” is the concluding part of one’s stroke. In any given sport, it is defined as the continuation of the movement of an arm or leg past the point of contact or of release after hitting, throwing, or kicking a ball or other object. This is the final part of the stroke; the continuing of a process or activity, to completion. Without “follow-through” the action is incomplete.
Who your coach is and how you have been coached makes a difference! Consider these examples:
• Little League Baseball: follow-through enables pitchers to throw, and batters to hit.
• Football: follow-through with kicks, passing, and punts enables distance and precision.
• Golfing: follow-through enables a golfer to perform straight drives on the fairway and accurate putting to the hole, and the ability to wedge shots in sand traps to get out of a deep hole.
• College courses require more than registration and syllabi. Students attend lectures, study, write papers and endure testing to reach graduation.
• Special military training for Special Forces, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE), Ranger School, and others require coaching and determination.
Our actions in this life are the continuation and completion of our faith. When we are committed to Christ, our trust and confidence in him is strengthened when we focus on his Word and thoughtful mentoring, coaching and discipleship of others.
Thank you so much, Lord, for giving me an understanding of the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. May I never doubt you or your Word or your presence in my life. Instead, please use me to share your good news with others.
“But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them], and how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings.…” (Ephesians 5:1–2, Amplified Bible)