Following an urge can lead you astray. Even seemingly “non-immoral” pursuits (ie: genealogies) can derail a Christian.

Paul directs Timothy (1 Tim. 1:3+) to get folks in the church focused on what’s important and to stop pursuing silly and speculative things. My guess is that some folks there had an inkling or an urge to pursue those things, and they indulged themselves. Or, we could more accurately say they lost their focus.

Ever have an urge to catch-up on the “news” — and find yourself wasting another hour in front of the TV? (By the way, when are we EVER up-to-date on the “news”?? It’s a black-hole that will suck in as much time as you choose to surrender). Ever have an urge to simply chat about sports with a friend after church, instead of pursuing some spiritual conversation about his devotional life? My friends, daily life in modern America is full of triggers to urges within us that will lead us astray.

We must differentiate between urges and priorities, even as Paul reminds Timothy here to regain the attention of some brothers on what truly matters, and what pleases the Lord. Paul writes (1:5) “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” And, in 1:18 he writes, “…fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience”.

Dealing with the urges which detract or derail us takes INSTRUCTION from those who are spiritually mature (1:3,5). So we ought to be reading good books, and choosing godly companions. (It should help to read good blogs, too). Dealing with distracting urges also requires EFFORT in the EXERCISE of your faith (1:18). Beware of shortcuts.