Devotions
Rev Gav
Conduct
2 Timothy 2.20–26
In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; 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.
Reflect
Over the years I have met many different Christians from all kinds of backgrounds, but the ones who have (and continue to have) the biggest impact on me are those who win me over with their patience, love, and compassion. They are not loud or brash, domineering, or pious. They are not dogmatic or opinionated. Instead, they listen, consider, and exude an aura of safety and security that comes from their loving relationship with God. They are not threatened by different points of view, or someone else’s doubts or beliefs.
Different church cultures breed different kinds of Christian. You can tell a lot about a Christian church or community by looking at their website. For example, is the first thing you see their Statement of Faith with a list of ‘What we believe’, or is it a set of Values outlining their heart and the things they hold dear?
Today’s Bible Reading is an excerpt from one of Paul’s letters to Timothy, his beloved friend and companion, who became a church leader. The letter, designed to encourage Timothy, outlines what good church leadership looks like, and this passage comes at the end of a section about avoiding getting tangled in people’s affairs, meddling, interfering, gossiping, or trying to win arguments. Paul suggests that Timothy, because he serves Christ, should, “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,” and, “be kind to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, and correct opponents with gentleness.”
In the same way, we too serve Christ, and we answer only to God. We do not always need to have our say, push our agendas, or win arguments. How we conduct ourselves is far more important than coming out on top, and besides, it’s a lot less stressful!
Pray
Holy God
May I be slow to speak
and quick to listen.
Help me understand
other's points of view,
and resist making self-righteous
judgments and pronouncements.
Instead, may I behave
with humility and patience,
offering kindness and compassion
to everyone I encounter.
This day and forever.
and then