2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (NIV)
I read this passage over and over. I asked for guidance to help interpret what it all means. I felt confused. Last night I was watching a western movie. Not an old western where good and evil are very black and white, but a newer one, where even the good guys can act in evil ways and even the bad guys have sparks of good. So confusing. I once told my daughter there was a particularly popular movie I would never watch because I knew it would make me feel like rooting for the hero, a character who did many things I found unacceptable. So confusing.
Life confuses us sometimes, even Bible passages can confuse us; however, one thing I am always certain of, God loves me and His promise of eternity spent with Him is true. How do I square that with the fact that some reprehensible folks (people I feel are reprehensible) will end up in Heaven, too? I know, I know, not for me to judge. But I am human, so I wonder.
So I turn back to the scripture again and I think that what it is telling me is to trust in what I have been taught, "because you know those from whom you learned it." Feel secure in the promises of God, "so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." I think it's becoming more clear. I have no need to worry and fret over what "evildoers and imposters" are doing nor what may or may not happen with them. I only need to strive to do the best I can, try to do good work and help wherever I can, even in the face of injustice and/or persecution. God is there to help, carry me when it's too difficult to do on my own, and maybe even help me to be someone who can help others learn His word. Wouldn't that be an awesome thing!
Questions for Reflection:
- How can I do a better job of helping others? When it seems too difficult to stick to my beliefs and I feel ridiculed for standing up for what I believe, can I rely on what I've been taught and treat others with respect, without judgment, and still not waver?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray for the world. I know You are with us always and are preparing our eternal home with You. Help us to live according to Your word and to act in ways where doing good works are at the forefront of our existence. Thank you for guiding us and supporting us in all we do, and thank you for forgiving us when we fail. All praise and honor to You! Amen
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