As I reflect on the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:11-12, I feel a deep resonance with the message he delivered to Timothy. Paul’s counsel to “flee these things,” “follow after righteousness,” and “fight the good fight of faith” is not just a series of instructions—it is a roadmap for living a Christ-centered life. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve come to see how these verses offer guidance that aligns beautifully with our doctrine and practices.
Flee from the World
Paul begins by urging Timothy to flee from things that can entangle us spiritually. Earlier in the chapter, Paul warned against the dangers of pride, contention, and the love of money. As I think about my own life, I see how the principle of fleeing from sin requires both awareness and intentionality. We live in a world that constantly bombards us with distractions and temptations, but we are not left defenseless.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord counsels us to stand in holy places and not be moved (D&C 45:32). For me, this means fleeing environments, habits, or even thoughts that diminish the Spirit’s influence in my life. Sometimes this requires physical distance, like stepping away from harmful entertainment or toxic conversations. Other times, it’s an internal choice to reject negative patterns of thought or desires that lead me away from God.
Following Righteousness
Paul doesn’t just tell Timothy to flee; he tells him what to pursue. Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness—these are the virtues that bring us closer to Christ. In my journey as a convert to the gospel, I’ve found that following after these virtues takes daily effort and humility.
Righteousness, for example, isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about striving to become like our Heavenly Father. The Savior’s Sermon on the Mount invites us to “be ye therefore perfect” (Matthew 5:48), which reminds me that I’m called to grow and progress daily. For me, this means studying the scriptures, serving others, and turning to the Lord in sincere prayer.
Faith and patience are virtues I’ve had to cultivate during challenging seasons of life. I remember a time when I was struggling with a personal trial, and I didn’t see how things would work out. As I turned to the Lord in faith, I found comfort in the words of the Book of Mormon: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20). Patience isn’t passive; it’s an active trust in God’s timing and plan.
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
The phrase “fight the good fight of faith” has always stood out to me. Paul’s imagery reminds me that living the gospel is not a passive endeavor—it’s a battle against the adversary and the natural man. But this fight isn’t waged with anger or aggression. Instead, we fight with love, truth, and the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:11-18).
One of the most inspiring examples of this fight is the story of Joseph Smith. Despite intense persecution, he remained steadfast in his testimony of the restored gospel. I think of his words: “I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it” (Joseph Smith—History 1:25). His courage reminds me that our faith will be tested, but as we rely on the Lord, we can overcome any obstacle.
Eternal Perspective
Paul concludes with a reminder that we are called to “lay hold on eternal life.” This eternal perspective is essential. In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to focus on immediate concerns, but Paul invites us to look beyond the present moment to our ultimate goal: eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the tools to stay on this path. The ordinances and covenants we make in the temple, for instance, remind us of our divine potential and eternal purpose. Every decision we make, every virtue we develop, and every fight we endure brings us closer to that eternal prize.
Personal Application
As I reflect on 1 Timothy 6:11-12, I’m reminded of the importance of balance in discipleship. Fleeing from sin isn’t enough; we must actively follow righteousness. And following righteousness requires a willingness to fight the spiritual battles that come our way.
In my own life, I’ve found that surrounding myself with uplifting influences makes it easier to stay on the covenant path. Attending church meetings, participating in gospel discussions, and staying close to the Lord through prayer and scripture study are the small, daily acts that build spiritual strength.
A Call to Action
Paul’s words are as relevant today as they were in Timothy’s time. They are a call to action for all of us who seek to follow Christ. As we flee from sin, follow after righteousness, and fight the good fight of faith, we will find strength in the Lord and joy in the journey.
I testify that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice makes it possible for us to overcome sin and become more like Him. May we each take Paul’s counsel to heart and strive to live as disciples of Christ, pressing forward with faith, hope, and love.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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