1 Timothy 6:11-21

I like this Bible verse in the New International Version but looked it up in the Message and liked that version too. (I like reading both versions because I feel like the NIV is more clear, but the language of the Message version can be so pretty.) 

So here it is, with my favorite parts in bold and blanks where it said Timothy so you can insert your name and receive the same encouraging charge.

"But you, __________, man of God: Run for your life from all this. 
Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. 
Run hard and fast in the faith. 
Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, 
the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

I’m charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, 
who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn’t give an inch: 
Keep this command to the letter, and don’t slack off. 
Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. 
He’ll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed 
by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. 
He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. 
He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! 
Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.

Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. 
Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

And oh, my dear _______, guard the treasure you were given! 
Guard it with your life. 
Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. 
People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.
Overwhelming grace keep you!"

[1 Timothy 6:11-21]