We have before us a passage of scripture with some far reaching implications. Of course, we understand that Paul is telling Timothy (as well as you and I) to always teach and set the right example (1 Tim. 3:12) under all conditions whether they be favorable or unfavorable. I do believe that this is a message that is deeper and goes beyond the teaching aspect of our lives. Our faith, our religious life, our Christianity must be deep enough, strong enough that it will never be classified as “seasonal”. Sadly, tragically, this is a problem faced by many churches—“seasonal members”. Just as a side note here, our assembly times tell a powerful story. At the A.M. worship hour our pews are full or at least comfortably so. But look at the assembly at the P.M. worship hour or on Wednesday mid week assembly. Where, O where, have the “Christians” gone? Spasmodic, undependable, hot one minute, cold the next, here today, gone tomorrow. “In season”, “out of season” means “at all times”. Our faith stands strong when it is opportune or inopportune, when it is convenient, when it is inconvenient, when it is easy, when it is difficult, when we want to and when we don’t want to. There is no off season for Christians, no sale days or marked down prices. I once read a statement by someone whose name I have long ago forgotten which said, “either you is or you ain’t”. Not the proper way to speak perhaps but the sentiment is right on.
Living the Christian life is not a mere profession but it is a practice, not just some emotional feeling but a demonstration and this is a seven day, twenty-four hours a day matter (Jas.1:21, Matt. 25, Gal. 6:10,Matt. 5:16, Matt. 7:21, Jas. 2:14-26, 1 Cor. 15:58, Acts 2:46). I love the words of Paul in Romans 12:1, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. We must yield ourselves to him completely, letting him have full possession. His word must fill our heart, mold our thoughts and guide our life. Our life as a Christian does not depend on where we are or who we are with. It does not depend on the weather or even how we feel. The real test of our Christianity is serving our God in spite of circumstances that may surround us (Matt. 10:38, 16:24).
The uncertainty of the future should inspire us to make our religious life (our Christianity) a seven day, twenty-four hours a day matter. Ours should always be an “everyday religion” not one that is spasmodic, in and out, up and down like a roller coaster (Eccl. 9:10). Ever remember that “in season, out of season” equals “at all times”. We claim to be a child of God. I wonder, can he depend on us to be the child he wants us to be?
Charles Hicks