With all the chaos the world and this country are experiencing today, it’s hard not to dig your feet in and take a stance for what we believe. We don’t want to compromise our beliefs and convictions but we do need to evaluate our approach.
In my New Years post I mentioned my goal for this year is to be kinder to people but my selfishness and the need to get my own way, make it difficult to accomplish. However, I know it can be done if I ask God’s Spirit to help me. When I acknowledge my short comings, God is faithful in helping me accomplish that which I set out to do.
In the scripture I share with you today, Paul is instructing and exhorting Timothy in dealing with false teachers. There were two men named specifically, and they were thwarting the truth about the resurrection of the body contrary to what the Bible says. Paul also tells Timothy to warn us, “against quarreling”. Something our society struggles with today, in and out of the church. We must heed and take to heart the instruction of the Lord for the improvement of our society.
2 Timothy 2:14-26
“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
I realize we live in a fallen world, and not every day is going to be full of sunshine. At some point in our lives it is inevitable that we will have disagreements with people. A difference of opinion, a personal conviction, or a fight for truth, are just some of the reasons for controversy. Although, there is an appropriate time for a Godly rebuke; I am not referring to that.
However, God calls us as His people to handle our differences the way He would have us to. The scripture above in verse 24, says “The Lord’s servant must be kind to everyone.” We must agree to disagree in a peaceful manner, and leave the rest to The Lord.
I love how the Bible reveals the tendencies and struggles of humanity. Yet as I read and meditate on God’s words written on each page, I find His wisdom and instruction equips me with strength to live it out.
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.“
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
If it is in God’s word, it is God’s heart.
