Something Has to Give

I'm reading the book of Titus this week.  Every time I read this book, I seem to be drawn in by the image of Titus 2 of the older women encouraging the young women.  They seem to do this by modeling and telling hand in hand.  Titus 2:3-4 reads, "Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children..." (NRSV).  Paul echoed similar thoughts in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 as he talked about being delighted to share not only the gospel but their lives.  As I've read this, I've wondered what this might look like for our church.  Obviously, we live in such a different time and place.  People seem so busy now.  We rarely live in close proximity to those we interact with.  How do we share our lives so that we're learning from each others' example and teaching?  The only think I can come up with in my mind is that something has to give.  If relationships are important, they require time and commitment.  The more I think about this, I just can't seem to get around it.  So I find myself reflecting on this question, and hope that if by chance you read this, that you would reflect on it too:  How can I clean out my life in order to make more time for relationships?  Something probably has to give.         

Knowing Who We Follow

Reading through 2 Timothy this morning, I was reminded of a necklace that I had early on in my walk with God.  It looked sort of like a dog tag and had 2 Timothy 1:7 etched into it: 
"for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline" (NRSV).  That's a good verse.  It's one that we like to reflect on in times of need or weakness.  I'm sure it's not just on jewelry, but on bumper stickers, tee-shirts, and maybe even "Christian" gyms (if there is such a thing out there).  I think this is a good thing.  It's good to be reminded of these kinds of verses.  After all, when Deuteronomy 6 speaks about the law, it says to tie it on your hands and foreheads, and fasten it to your walls.  So when I would look at that necklace, I always assumed that God had given me this spirit of power to get me out of troubling or difficult circumstances.  To be sure, sometimes God does.  But my necklace didn't have 2 Timothy 1:8 etched into it.  If it had gone just one more verse it would have included, "Do not be ashamed , then, of the testimony about our Lord or me his prisoner, but join me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God" (NRSV).  It seems to me that according to the second part of the passage that the spirit of power that God has given us is to endure difficulties.  I've never seen a bumper sticker that said, "Join me in suffering for the gospel."  But, the reality is, sometimes we do suffer.  Following Jesus isn't about knowing what's ahead or what to expect.  It's about knowing WHO we follow and being prepared for anything.  In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul writes, "But I am not ashamed, for I KNOW the ONE in whom I have put my trust..." (NRSV emphasis mine).   My prayer today is that we will get to KNOW this Jesus who we are following more and more.  

Stupid and Sensless Controversies

Reading through 2 Timothy this week.  Came across this verse this morning, "Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controveries; you know that they breed quarrels.  And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.  God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26 NRSV).   
It seems to me that from this passage the only thing guaranteed by "winning" or being "right" in a stupid controversy is quarrels.  I'm amazed at how often Christ-followers, and I include myself here, would rather be "right" than "kind," "patient," or "gentle."  Being "right" about an argument only seems to lead to a breakdown in relationship.  And often the things we take our "stand" against seem senseless in light of eternity and God's goodness.  It makes total sense that being kindly, patient, and correcting with gentleness would lead to God perhaps granting that people repent.  After all the fruit of the Spirit include "patience, kindness, and gentleness," but not "correctness."  Being "right" doesn't necessarily lead to correction.  So rather than having to be right all the time, wouldn't it be great if Christ-followers were known for being kindly, patient, and gentle.  These qualities don't exclude truth.  They "precede" truth, going before and laying the groundwork for truth to be received.  Am I right?  Never mind that last question, lest we quarrel :-)