Friday The 13th (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Today is September, Friday the 13th, 2024.

Superstition abounds. Eyebrows usually rise when someone plans an auspicious event on this day. I have known some people who will not even venture outside their homes. The origins of this phobia are varied, some are rooted in ancient Norse legends, some in Christianity, and some are even attributed to popular literature.

Since birth, I have experienced 106 of these, and one more, December 13th, 2024, is coming up. The vast majority of these days were like any other. However, some significant negative occurrences which could be labeled as bad luck, occurred on two prior Fridays the 13th. What does it mean? Nothing, except that I remember the event because it happened on Friday the 13th, not the other way around. Looking at it in another way, if something bad happened on Christmas Day or Valentine’s Day, we would also be more inclined to remember it, only because of the day it occurred. What about the other days of the year? Good and bad things happen and we usually do not recall them. 

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)

Myths and superstitions have always been with us. Thousands of years ago, the Apostle Paul gave this advice to his protege, Timothy, the young Pastor in the church at Ephesus. He encouraged Timothy to focus on God, filling his mind by thinking about God rather than useless man-made tales. We should do the same. It prepares us to live a godly present life and an eternal life with God in Heaven.

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.