Near the conclusion of Indiana Jones’ third cinematic adventure, the titular character tries to maintain his grip on one of Elsa’s hands to keep her from falling to her doom in the abyss below. Rather than grab ahold of Indiana with her other hand, she reaches for the treasure which dangles perilously on a ledge just below her. “Your other hand – honey I can’t hold you!” Indiana shouts in desperation. Stubbornly, she continues to stretch for the holy grail, until her gloved hand finally slips through Indiana’s fingertips, and she plummets to her death.
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The apostle Paul desires for Timothy to admonish others “so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (I Tim. 6:19), after telling the young preacher the same thing seven verses earlier (I Tim. 6:12). Observe that Paul focuses on that which is TRULY life. The oldest New Testament manuscripts reflect this appropriate translation – what is also called “life indeed.” Could it be that Paul is insinuating that some are clutching a false life or a fake life? Do they genuinely believe that they hold the quarter within their clenched fist, but, when the magician says the magic words, they open their hand and realize that there is nothing there?
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Consider the following list:
“WHAT I WANT OUT OF MY LIFE”
A. Spiritual Virtues (godliness, love, etc.)
B. Earthly Virtues (bodily fitness, fiscal responsibility, education)
C. Stuff (riches and so on)
Paul explains to Timothy that the pursuit of stuff (C) leads to the abuse of Categories A & B. There is “constant friction among people” (I Tim. 6:5), “ruin and destruction” (I Tim. 6:9), and wandering “away from the faith” (I Tim. 6:10). There is no life in the pursuit of riches. It will likewise send us plummeting to the evil abyss below. Stuff is not truly life.
Next, the pursuit of earthly virtues (B) naturally leads to the neglect of spiritual ones (A). When I passionately chase after earthly virtues, I rationalize to myself that it is providing some overestimated contribution to spiritual ones. At the same time, I am most likely to use Category C in this pursuit. I will not hesitate to spend money on bodily training or on further education. For the Christian, this pursuit leads to immense frustration! Our social media posts proclaim our accomplishments in these areas, but the gaping hole within each of our hearts expresses the real truth: we have accomplished nothing with any lasting value.
Instead, Paul writes that Timothy should pursue spiritual virtues (A) – things like “righteousness and godliness” (see I Tim. 6:11). However, Paul confesses, “While bodily training (B) is of some value, godliness (A) is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also the life to come” (I Tim. 4:8b). In other words, this mindset of primarily pursuing spiritual virtues (A) permits training for earthly ones (B). Notice that Paul himself admits the value of earthly virtue! It has some value! He is always quick to compliment and hold up the example of the model athlete or the well-trained soldier. Nevertheless, notice Paul’s insinuation: they (B) are ultimately and only good for the present life.
In contrast, spiritual virtues (A) have value in this present life and the life to come. This, my friends, is part of our problem. We mistakenly view godliness as only good for the life to come, and Paul views it differently. Until you realize that things like love, faith, and gentleness contribute as much value (if not more value) to your present life as a proper budget or making all A’s, then you will be missing out on life! Your life will continue to feel like trying to catch water in your hand! In reality, pursuing spiritual virtues provides you with the bucket to then properly experience and even enjoy the parts of life found in Categories B & C. Indeed, pursuing spiritual virtues is taking hold of that which is truly life!
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In his last-ditch effort to reach her, Indiana himself then slips off of the edge, but his father is able to grasp one of Indiana’s hands and save him. Ironically, merely seconds later, Indiana now finds himself in the same situation as Elsa. With his free hand, Indiana believes that he now can reach the grail and obtain the cup of everlasting life, but it is only death which awaits him if he continues to reach for the treasure. The only life that he can obtain will come from grabbing ahold of his father with that free hand.
And the same is true for us. The only way to take hold of that which is truly life is to reach for our loving Father’s hand.