This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul's second letter to Timothy. I started reading the whole letter and was aware that Paul is writing to Timothy to encourage him to step into his calling and purpose, as if Timothy was struggling to do so. I am so used to reading this as part of the Scripture that sometimes I forget the very personal nature of this letter. He really was writing to Timothy, trying to encourage him forward in the faith, trying to give him perspective and guidance about how to continue in the ministry that he had been entrusted. Anyway, here are the verses I am allowing to tumble around in my mind and heart, reading form the Passion version 2 Timothy 2:22-26 TPT:
[22] "Run as fast as you can from all the ambitions and lusts of youth; and chase after all that is pure. Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit. And live in peace with all those who worship our Lord Jesus with pure hearts."
[23] "Stay away from all the foolish arguments of the immature, for these disputes will only generate more conflict. [24] For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature. [25] Then with meekness you'll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you so they can see God's gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the truth. [26] This will cause them to rediscover themselves and escape from the snare of Satan who caught them in his trap so that they would carry out his purposes."
As I am reading through this all, it seems that Paul is cautioning Timothy away from youthful and immature pursuits and arguments. In Young's Literal translation these are called "foolish and uninstructed questions" and the point is that they lead to strife, opposition, division, and even a falling away from the truth. This pathway to problems is apparently enabled by counter-arguing, and Paul urges Timothy to just stay clear of such arguing. Earlier in verse 14 (not quoted), Paul had warned against quarreling about words, and here again Paul comes back to that point. I am sure that Paul, as one of the great defenders of the faith, and preacher of the Gospel, must have dealt with thousands of quarreling and contentious individuals, and Paul has seen where these have ended up.
I guess my question in reading these today is what sorts of foolish and uninstructed, actions and arguments are bubbling up in the Body of Christ at present? Are there controversies and issues that are causing arguments and strife in our Body? Are there definitions and opinions that are causing division? Are people arguing, or contentious towards one another?
Not being on the pastoral team at my church, I don't have a full view of all the things that are bubbling up, but just viewing some of our social media and seeing Christian friend's postings, its obvious there is still much consternation and conflict within the church. Much of the noise seems to be about our present political situation and the response to the pandemic. I have friends who are overjoyed with the recent political changes, and they are embracing the new adminstration. I also have friends who have the exact opposite opinion and view, and they hate the recent changes. This is a great example of arguments that lead to strife. Neither side is going to convince the other side through the sharing of their opinions, or the most recent "news". Pastorally, this whole situation must be really difficult, and I see why Paul is encouraging Timothy in this way.
What path forward is there in such a situation? Paul writes to Timothy that it will take gentleness and patience. Quoting the NIV translation Paul says, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Tim 2:24-25 NIV). So how best to approach this whole area, especially if you are being thrust in the middle of it? It seem to me that going to the Word is the always the first step. We need to understand who we are as Christians, our identity in Him, and understand our role in this world. Secondly, we need to understand what our proper response is to government and authorities, according to the Word. Instruction, delivered gently, can provide the opportunity for us to understand where our thoughts and beliefs, our opinions and expectations might be out of line with the Word of God, and we can choose to align ourselves with His Word.
I am definitely praying for all of my pastor friends during this time, for there is much to be concerned with, many things floating about in the Body of Christ, and many potential opportunities for strife, opposition, and even division. I am praying for the Body of Christ in general, for our daily "struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ( Ephesians 6:12 NIV).
Lord, help us to hold onto Your Word! Help us to embrace one another in love, rather that reject one another for our differing opinions. Help us to turn to You, listening to Your Word, spoken to our hearts, directing us and guiding us to Your peace!
We hold onto this promise in Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:7 NIV: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."!
Amen and Amen!
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