We’ve looked at verse 22 a number of times already. Paul shows us the way by saying that we must try our best to leave the wrong things in life alone. So many traps are set for us every day, and let’s be honest, it’s not so easy to avoid them.

That’s why we intentionally need to strive for the good things. We must be sincere in what we do. Our faith must be anchored firmly. The thread of love must be apparent in everything we think, do and say, and everywhere we go we must keep and leave peace.

It sounds so nice. But we do know it’s not easy, because life happens out there. Accidents rush towards us. Simply too fast for us to even step on the brake. People come in, trample on our hearts, and walk out again. Our money sums don’t always add up either. The job takes more than its pound of flesh and relationships keep tapping our energy.

It becomes a struggle to keep your head above water, to simply stay alive. In these circumstances it is difficult to be sincere in everything. Your faith slips so easily and you wonder where you’ll find help. Love is not necessarily the first choice, and peace is nowhere to be found.

It’s difficult, man.

We must realise we cannot do it on our own. We are simply too weak. That’s why Paul concludes the verse as follows: ²²… joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.

After the July vacation everyone posts the most beautiful wildlife photos and videos. It’s simply wonderful to see how things work in the animal kingdom. What is especially fascinating is to see how herds of animals support one another in times of crisis. A wildebeest, for example, will charge a lion that thinks a wildebeest mate will do for lunch.

One video showed a little elephant that got stuck in the mud. Eventually, the whole herd of elephants formed a protective circle around the little one as others tried to push it out of the mud.

One on its own would never make it, but together they could even hold off a lion attack.

It’s the same for us: on our own, chances are we’d never make the right choice. We need other people. We need fellow Christians to help us withstand the attacks.

I’m so grateful one of my pals realised that we need one another. He started a small group that meets Friday mornings before work. When we meet, we actually only ask one another this one question: Have you lived according to God’s will this past week?

We can be honest in the group. We can encourage one another and help one another to face the crisis that crop up in life. We can guide one another to do the right things and avoid what is wrong.

We call our group the Fight Club, because together we can take on the world and survive the fight.

Don’t try and tackle the world on your own. Take hands with fellow Christians. Ask God to show you who you need to walk with, because together you can win.

Scripture
2 Tim 2:22-26

Reflection
What does your walk in life look like?
Do you get the guidelines right?
Who can help you?

Prayer
Father, thank you for the guidelines. But I do have to confess I still struggle. I realise I can’t do this on my own. Show me the people You want me to walk with. Amen.